Star striker Lee Sparks suffered a neck injury that will rule him out of the rest of the season last Wednesday in the 1-0 home loss to Ingleton.

And his absence told on Saturday as they were knocked out of the Adam and Gaskell Senior Challenge Cup semi-final, 1-0 by Cartmel.

The game was always going to be close, and it was close as either side could have won. Neither keeper had a serious shot to save with John Lord scoring the only goal.

Cartmel will now meet Highgrove at Giant Axe on Monday, 7.30pm.
Marsh still had hopes of lifting one of the cups only to lose 2-0 to arch rivals Storeys on Monday in the final of the Sam Price Memorial Cup.

Man of the match was midfielder Gary McGonnell, who had only come back from serving in Afghanistan a few days before.

After a nip and tuck first half, Storeys came out of blocks well and player-manager Steve Stirzaker fired Storeys in front from inside the box. Mark Chisholme then made it 2-0, blasting past John Lupton.

Marsh came on strong, pushing people forward but they were denied by Storeys goalkeeper Paul Fraser, who made a stunning save to keep Marsh from getting on the scoreboard.

Marsh's hopes of silverware rest in the Premier Division but they could miss out on that too tonight, Wednesday, if Highgrove don't lose at Ingleton.

Highgrove had an easy 6-1 win over Swarthmoor in midweek to boost its goal difference and followed that with a 5-1 win over Morecambe Royals on Saturday, a team that Highgrove lost to just two weeks ago.

The game was 1-1 early in the second half but Highgrove came on strong with Russell Mitchell leading the way, playing with a broken nose and finding the net.

If Ingleton beat Highgrove, then Marsh will have a chance to take the title but will need a big win, by potentially seven goals, at home to relegated Swarthmoor on Saturday.

In Division One, Bentham are champions after a nervy 2-0 win over Morecambe Royals Reserves. It took Bentham a long time to settle but goals from Daniel Briggs-Calvert and Graham Cowgill did the trick.

Cartmel Reserves have moved up to mid-table after some good performances, the latest being a 2-1 win over Boys Club.

Highgrove Reserves beat Millhead 4-0 while Storeys Reserves lost 2-0 to Ingleton Reserves.

In Division Two, Overton finished a creditable third by beating Swarthmoor Reserves 3-0.

Promoted Freehold FC impressed in the first half, opening up a 3-0 lead but were forced to hold on as Westgate Wanderers got back to 3-2.

Division Three bottom club Grange Reserves caused a big surprise when they not only beat Squires 3-2, but also stopped them from gaining promotion.

Allithwaite Rangers, who beat Gregson 4-0, are now promoted while Squires are outsiders now to go up with Carnforth Rangers Reserves and Halton Rangers Reserves more likely.

In Division Four, Moghuls are still waiting to seal promotion after losing 6-0 to College AFc Reserves.

Millhead Reserves outplayed AFC Moorlands, winning 4-1, while Overton Reserves' mini-revival came to a halt when they were beaten 3-1 by Villa Royale.