Last year’s finalists were both beaten in the first round of the AMT Lawyers Football Championships.
Blackburn United overcame Coppice United (3-1) for the first time in this tournament whilst Bolton United also beat FC Panda (formerly Halifax Hammers) in the big Sunday night game. A penalty finally broke the deadlock in a nervy match until a second in injury time handed Bolton victory.
Games are being played at Victoria Park the home of Nelson FC.
It meant this will be the first time since 2007 a final will feature neither Coppice United or the Halifax side in the semi-finals. Coppice’s run dates back to 2008 when they won the trophy for the first time whilst FC Panda have been in the past three finals.
Earlier, AFC Preston made light work of Bank View Solicitors who came in as late replacements. Paak United made a return to the tournament after a two-year absence but were beaten 3-1 by Euro Garages who won their first game in this tournament at the fourth attempt.
Euro Garages take on AFC Preston in the first semi-final and Blackburn United will meet Bolton United. The latter will be the first time both sides have met in this tournament.
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