HEYWOOD Irish Centre booked a place in the Barlow Cup final at the Galpharm Stadium with a hard-won 3-1 victory over Hepworth United.

Hepworth made an early breakthrough when Taylor found space in the Heywood penalty area, placing a neat shot past the keeper after good build up down the left.

It was dour stuff right until half-time, when Henighan drew Heywood level from a corner.

After the break Armitage in the Hepworth goal twice saved well from quick Heywood breaks.

Heywood went in front on the hour when Powis scored from a corner.

Wayward finishing from Hepworth, who created some good chances, kept the interest levels high as Basnett, Short and Earnshaw all went close.

Heywood had the last laugh when they sealed the game with a second by Henighan, who knocked in a rebound after a quick counter-attack.

In the Groom Cup, Skelmanthorpe beat UpperthongŠ2-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the semi-finals.

Skelmanthorpe started brightly and took an early lead with a far-post header from Jack Firth, after good work from Johnny Hart and Josh Clarkson.

Skelmanthorpe continued to dominate but squandered several chances.

The second half proved a different contest with Upperthong dominating play but failing to capitalise until a mix-up in the Skelmanthorpe defence led to an own goal from Matt Green

This took the tie to extra-time and in the second period, with penalties looming, Upperthong thought they had won with a header, but with seconds remaining Skelmanthorpe drove the ball long upfield and Chris Smith equalised with the last kick of the game. They then held their nerve to win 2-1.

Heyside entertained Fenay Bridge and won 10-3. Winstanley scored eight of the goals.