FARNWORTH set up a Lancashire Knockout semi-final tie with Monton after recording a 26-run victory over Read on Sunday.

In a rain-affected quarter-final tie, the Lavender Road side opened the batting and the dangerous Adil Nisar led the way, knocking 110 not out.

Skipper Simon Booth provided brilliant support hitting 52no as they posted a target of 206-3 after their 38 overs.

In response, Read were set a revised target of 186 from 25 overs after rain fell once again, and Joe Marshall sent them on their way, knocking a half-century.

Brian Gilchrist added 52no but the tight bowling of trio Dinuka Hettiarachchi (2-30), Nakash Qumar (1-8) and Ross Sutton (0-20) limited the visitors to 160-5 as the overs expired.

Farnworth captain Booth was thrilled with the victory which sets up a home semi-final clash with Monton, who knocked former Bolton Association side Bury out in the last eight.

“We're absolutely buzzing," Booth said. "It was a tough game against a good Read side.

“Usually, whoever bats second in a rain-affected game is always in the driving seat and we knew the dangers of that.

“Monton are a good side, it will be an exciting semi-final but we have home advantage and we will be looking to make that count.”

Farnworth slipped 13 points behind Bolton League leaders Farnworth Social Circle on Saturday with their first defeat of the season to Lostock.

But skipper Booth insists the Lancashire Knockout has been their main priority for the last couple of weeks.

He added: “The emphasis has always been on the Lancashire Knockout since we had two games called off in the league and Social Circle gained the upper hand.

“We had a bad day at the office on Saturday against Lostock, we batted poorly but we are pleased to have bounced back.”