NEW Gardeners have reached the semi finals of the LFA Sunday Trophy after a dramatic late winner against Preston Sunday League side Ashton Villa.

In what turned out to be a tale of two missed penalties, the Darwen side booked their place in the last four thanks to Lewis Hamlin’s late winner - but only after he has seen the Preston keeper save his spot kick.

Ashton themselves had a chance to win when they were awarded an 80th minute penalty but Lee Heckingbottom made a great save in the Gardeners goal.

With extra time looming, Gardeners were awarded apenalty and although the Villa keeper kept out Hamlin’s initial effort, he was on hand to bury the rebound.

Clifton, who beat Mill Hill on penalties in the previous round, will be hoping to join them. Their tie with AFC Ingol, which was postponed at the week, will take place on Sunday.

In the league, Intack kept up their good form with a 7-0 demolition of Brownhill Arms, while AMT Lawyers and Havelock shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

In Division Two, Station did their promotion chances no harm with a 4-0 win over fellow contenders Whinney Hill Colts while Crown Paints went top with a comfortable 8-2 victory over Anchor. While Stanhill keep up the challenge with a 3-2 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Great Harwood Rovers, Brown Cow just edged past Baggy’s Wine Bar 4-3.

Oswaldtwistle Immanuel continue to lead the way in Division Three with a 2-0 victory over a much improved Ewood Blues, Stanley Ultras stay second with convincing 7-2 victory over Sunnybank, the only other game to be played Prince of Wales scored 12 without reply against a depleted Gastec Celtic.