ATHERTON Colleries extended their winning run to eight games on Friday as they reached the semi-final of the First Division Cup.

The North West Counties Division One leaders eased through with a 2-0 win at Barnton despite missing their two top scorers from the starting line-up.

Strikers Mark Battersby and Mark Truffas were absent, but Jordan Cover stepped in to grab both goals in the space of a minute, notching his ninth and 10th of the season.

Manager Michael Clegg was delighted with Cover's impact.

“Jordan has been great this year,” he said. “His attitude is spot on and he's been unlucky to be behind Mark Battersby, who's been on fire all season.

“The lads all went over to him after he scored and that's a sign of our team spirit, which has been so important for us.”

Clegg made a few changes to the side that beat Colne in their last match and was pleased with the response he got from his players.

“We knew it would be a tough game with us missing a few lads, so I told them it was an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the remaining games.

“All season, the whole group has been brilliant and hopefully we can achieve our goals in the league and cup.”

Daisy Hill lost 4-0 at home to Widnes on Saturday for their second consecutive league defeat.

Despite the loss, last season's second-bottom side are still sixth in the table - the final play-off spot.

Atherton LR's game against Chadderton was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Crilly Park, with manager Ross McNair frustrated that his side were unable to build on the momentum from last week's derby win over Daisy.