Football: Laird's goalburst destroys rivals; NWC League.

Byline: BY ANDREW MOFFAT

TEAM of the moment in the Moore & Co Construction Solicitors League Cam-mell Laird, who have been installed as joint 7-2 favourites to lift the FA Vase, remain on track to retain the League Challenge Cup when they destroyed second division Nelson 14-0.

The one-sided encounter was virtually over by half-time with Lairds already seven goals in front. Four goals from Anthony Hargreaves, along with a hat-trick apiece from Ian Cooke and Ronnie Morgan paved the way to a quarter-final home tie against Curzon Ashton. John Collins, Jamie Maguire, Anthony Sheen and Carl Clampitt completed the rout.

St Helens Town were rocked by a warm-up injury to goalkeeper Paul Forrester. Manager Joe Gibiliru was forced to deputise but could not prevent Wayne Brotherton netting a hat-trick for Alsager Town, who ran out 3-1 winners. Lee Pegram netted a consolation goal.

Skelmersdale United staged a tremendous second- half fightback to defeat Trafford 5-3. Two goals down at the break, a brace apiece from Stuart Rudd and Neil Black, with a fifth from Tony Hallam maintained United's five-point lead at the top. Rudd's strikes saw him equal a 60-year-old club scoring record.

SATURDAY: League Division One: Atherton LR 0, Nantwich 3, Bacup Borough 0, Squires Gate 1, New-castle Town 3, Silsden 2, Skelmersdale United 5, Trafford 3. Division Two: Ashton Town 1, Norton United 1, Castleton Gabriels 1, Daisy Hill 2, Chadder-ton 1, Padiam 4, Eccleshall 1, Darwen 0, Holker Old Boys 3, New Mills 1 Winsford United 1, Blackpool Mechanics 2. League Challenge Cup round three: Abbey Hey 0, Ramsbottom United 1, Cammell Laird 14 Nelson 0, Colne 0, Oldham Town 1, Congleton Town 3, Leek CSOB 2, Curzon Ashton 3, Atherton Collieries 2 Glossop North End 2, Salford City 2 (aet - replay Tuesday, Feb 9), St Helens Town 1, Alsager Town 3, Stone Dominoes 0, Flixton 1.

YESTERDAY: Div Two: Great Harwood Town v FC United pp (frozen pitch).