THE magic of the First XI Cup certainly cast it’s spell upon Failsworth Soccer Centre as Little Lever went down 4-3 in a thrilling tie against Failsworth Dynamos, writes Chris Morris

It was a welcome distraction from their battle against the drop from the Premier Division for Lee Buckley’s men, and after a topsy-turvy game he was left disappointed they couldn’t progress to the next round.

“We would have liked to have had a cup run, but it wasn’t to be,” he said.

“Our players gave everything, and they stuck to their task. It was such an open game – just how a cup match should be.

“I felt we were a bit unlucky, but now it’s all about focusing on the big league match next weekend – that’s what matters.”

Little Lever got off to the worst possible start when they found themselves a goal down in five minutes after a long-range strike found the top corner of their net.

They turned the match on its head though in the second half, strikes from Ben Wells, and Scott Bingham giving them the lead.

They could not hold onto their advantage for long however, as the scoreline was levelled with a quarter of the match to go.

Failsworth then retook the lead only to be pegged back once again five minutes later when Bingham got his second.

There was still one last twist in the tale, and with 10 minutes to go the home side got the decisive final goal to secure their passage to the next round.

Castle Hill put their relegation fears to one side to overcome Third Division team Bolton Lads Club 3-1 and set up a third round tie with Roach Dynamos.

Captain Marcus Lilley has seen his side struggle this season, but believes they can go the distance in the cup.

“It’s a good distraction for us, and looking at the draw who knows. But we will just take each game as it comes,” Lilley said.

They had to fight back from a goal down at the break to progress, in what Lilley described as “the poorest first half we have played all season.”

After a change of formation, they were much improved after the interval and were level when Dareth Colquitt headed home.

And just 10 minutes later Colquitt doubled his tally to give Castle Hill the lead showing great technique to score an overhead kick from close range.

Their passage to the next round was secured when Sam Brooks poked home the rebound after Carl Henry’s shot was saved.

Horwich Victoria also find themselves in the third round after a comfortable 2-0 win against Prestwich.

The ease of the win even came as a surprise to boss Danny Holmes, as he was forced to field a string of reserve players.

“Considering we were missing a lot of our key players, we played some good stuff,” he said.

“The first-half was even, but after the break we played well and deserved the win. Credit to the lads who came in and gave it their all.”

Despite an even first 45 minutes, Horwich Victoria led at the interval thanks to Matt Hancock, who rounded the keeper and slotted home after a deep run from midfield.

After the break, Hancock turned provider when he was brought down in the box to give Danny Mills the chance from 12 yards, and he duly converted to set up a tie with Ashtonians.

“On paper we are in the good half of the draw,” said Holmes.

“It’s been a disappointing league season so we want to do well in the cup, and we believe we can get to the semi-finals.”

Old Boltonians are on course for a league and cup double as they eased past second tier Wardle 2-0 to set up a tie with Digmoor FC.