Cup semi-finals take place this Saturday

At Rugby Avenue Mountview take on Hazelbank. Both these teams are right up there in the hunt for the league title and both are in good form at present so neither team will expect to win this one comfortably.

Extra time and penalties a strong possibility.

In Ballymoney, The Taverners host Berthas FC in another interesting game.

The league table would suggest that Berthas should be favourites but The Taverners’ greater experience at the big occasion could count, so don’t be surprised if this one also reaches extra time and penalties.

The weekend’s action left the title race even wider open than it already was after four teams battling at the top dropped crucial points. Balnamore and Mountview fought out a stalemate at a windy Rugby Avenue while Riverside Athletic were shocked at home against inform West Bann Athletic.

All winning team managers are again reminded to text in the final result to either Chris Patterson or Alan McCloskey before 2pm on a Saturday afternoon.

The next delegate’s meeting will be held in the Railway Arms on Monday, April 12 at 7pm.

Mountview FC 0 Balnamore FC 0

Balnamore almost opened the scoring in the second half when Armstrong tried to lob the keeper from 25 yards, but his shot came back off the corner of the goal and to the safety of McClarty’s hands.

The visitors then had another chance on 75 minutes when Madison was played through, but McClarty was quick off his line to clear the danger with a sliding tackle outside the box.

Mountview had a second penalty appeal turned down when McCorriston turned two men inside the box and was then tripped by the out-stretched leg of the defender, but the referee who was three yards away waved play on.

In the last few minutes Balnamore almost clinched the winner, when Mooney got in behind the full back and squared the ball to Madison who was unmarked with the whole goal to aim at, but somehow the ball passed through the striker’s legs and out for a throw.

So the match finished goalless and it was a point a piece for both teams. Man of the Match: Keiron Ried (Mountview)

Riverside Athletic 1 West Bann Ath 3

West Bann Athletic topped off a brilliant month with their fourth consecutive victory.

Riverside started brighter with some efforts going close but none really threatening.

Aidan Smylie fired Riverside in front on 20 minutes but West Bann drew level from a Shirlow free-kick which allowed Martin Pancott to beat the offside trap to head over the stranded Riverside keeper.

West Bann Athletics’ persistence paid off as two minutes later they scored a second. Young Michael Olphert nipped onto a loose Pancott shot to fire in West Bann’s second and his 21st goal of the season.

The second half was more a scrappy affair with tackles flying in from both teams.

West Bann sealed victory in the 69th minute when Olphert fizzed the ball it into the top right hand corner of the net.

Man of the Match: Michael Olphert (West Bann Athletic)

Somerset 0 FC Macosquin 2

Both teams came into this game on the back of some good results - and a tight affair ensued.

The first goal arrived on the hour mark when the excellent McGahon crossed early for McGuinness to control, shift the ball and slide his shot past Harkin in the Somerset goal.

On 70 minutes it was provider who became scorer.

Strong defending freed the ball in midfield for the combative Blackwood to split the Somerset defence with a through ball for McGahon. He outpaced the scrambling defenders to seal victory.

Somerset tried hard to get back into the game, but with having a penalty saved by the wonderful Watson on 85 minutes all hope evaporated.

Man of the Match: Liam McGuinness (FC Macosquin)

The Villagers 3 The Taverners 4

A Joe Patton through ball put Robinson in the clear and he made no mistake to put The Taverners one up.

It was then the turn of top scorer Graur to increase his team’s lead with a quick fire brace.

His first was a solo effort when he out-witted the centre half before giving the goalkeeper no chance with his shot and the second came from the spot after McBride was upended in the box, Graur sending Jones the wrong way.

The Villagers finally got going and made the game a contest again when Gamble fired in a brace just before half time.

The second half started as the first and great work from the excellent Small released Graur and his effort could only be parried out by the impressive Jones meaning Hartin had the simple task of tucking away the rebound.

Again the home side fought back and Pollock pulled a goal back to give his side hope of getting something from the remainder of the game.

Man of the Match: Andrei Graur (The Taverners)

Dunaghy OB 5 Coleraine Olympic 3

Nathan Blair scored the first goal of the game before Jason Wilmont and David Murray scored to put the home side three up.

Some slack defending gifted Olympic a route back into the game with Vauls the scorer.

Dunaghy then got their fourth through a great strike from Robert Adams.

Again they fell asleep at the back to let Peter Hannah into score the away teams second before Arnie Blair capped off a fine performance with his team’s fifth to restore their three goal lead.

Olympic continued to work hard and got another back with Vauls grabbing his second of the game.

Man of the Match: Arnie Blair (Dunaghy Old Boys)