North made to work hard

Northerners 4, Rangers 2 (after extra time)

STRANGER CUP holders North finally got the better of a scrappy extra-time battle at Northfield last night to book a date with neighbours Vale Rec in this season's semi-final.

The chocolate-and-blues looked to be heading through an uninspiring game as they led 2-1 with seven minutes of normal time remaining, only for Dale Garland's strike to send it beyond 90 minutes.

Strikes from Robbie Titterington and Marc Rihoy eventually won the tie, though, as the hosts deservedly edged out a well-organised Rangers side boosted by Garland's second-half introduction.

But despite the nature of the first half, which saw clear-cut chances at a premium, it was Rangers who took the lead on the half-hour mark as Rob Cowling tucked past Tom Creed after pouncing on Chris Le Cheminant's unluckily placed sliding tackle.