North West Counties side Irlam FC deservedly booked their place in the semi-final of this season's Manchester Premier Cup as they knocked out current holders Ashton on a freezing night in Manchester.
The visitors moved Trevon Bryan to the left side of midfield but it was the hosts off to a flyer as just 2 minutes in Jack Mitchell's cross was converted at the far post by John Main.
Shortly afterwards a clearance reached John Johnston who fired wildly over before Cartwright's lay back saw Johnston's shot easily saved. On 25 minutes a clever pass from Declan Daniels sent Johnston into the area for a confident finish past Eastham and McMahon's free kick then brought a good save out of Eastham and approaching the interval Mitchell won a corner from Sean Newton which saw the delivery turned against the post with Newton possibly getting the final touch.
The second half had barely got under way when the home side extended their lead as great work at the byline by Taylor saw Johnston convert his cross at the far post before Tom Denton's knockdown was helped over by Louis White. Ten minutes into the half a sharp turn by Jason Gilchrist saw him sting the palms of Elliot Wynne but 5 minutes later Cameron Rowe took down Daniels in the area and when the centre forward picked himself up Eastham dived to his left to save the spot kick.
The Robins then won a corner which saw the ball cleared off the line before Gilchrist forced it over the line via a defender from a narrow angle and Eastham then denied McMahon's fierce effort at the near post. With 2 minutes left Daniels half volley fell neatly for Johnston to sweep home his hat trick goal and there was just time for Ashton to find a consolation as Denton powerfully headed home White's cross.
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