Last updated at 11:39, Thursday, 28 February 2013

Whitehaven Amateurs moved within 90 minutes of the County Cup final after a 3-0 quarter-final win over visitors Silloth.

Stuart Green

But boss Stuart Green admitted it could have been different, with Silloth stretching the hosts to the limit early in the game.

“It was difficult,” he said. “Credit to Silloth, they performed really well, had a couple of goals disallowed and we were lucky to be 1-0 up at half-time.

“We didn’t take them lightly, it was a case of trying a little too hard. When you don’t do the simple things right, mistakes happen.

“But we’ve done well to get to the semi-final and I’m delighted for the lads and the club.

“There’s a chance to get to a final, which would be a great occasion.”

Amateurs’ opener was an own-goal, while Craig Robson added a second from 18 yards and Kev Connolly wrapped up the win. The semi-final draw has not yet been made.

The midweek clash followed a 3-2 home defeat against high-flying Jarrow in the Northern League last weekend.

“We were 3-0 down after 25 minutes and out of the game at half-time,” Green added. “In the second-half we were absolutely outstanding and got two goals back, but against teams like Jarrow you can’t afford to go 3-0 down.

“We are playing the top six sides all at once and are at Morpeth on Saturday. We can put the County Cup to bed having made it through and we now need to find some consistency.

“We’ve been good on the road and have to be good at Morpeth on a big pitch against some experienced players.

“We have to be well organised and show a little more patience.”

First published at 11:35, Thursday, 28 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk