Vauxhall Motors 1,  Cammell Laird 1907 0.

Just when it seemed as if this tough local derby, between two in-form sides, was heading for a penalty shoot-out in this Hallmark Security League First Division Cup tie, Vauxhall stole the victory, ironically from the penalty spot.

With 71 minutes of frenetic football behind them, Motors substitute Luke Edwards played in Joe Brandon through the inside left channel only to be brought down inside the area and up stepped Danny Cross to convert the resultant penalty, straight down the middle as Laird keeper Tom White dived to his right.

This was a typical derby. No quarter asked or given as the tackles flew in but the defences held the upper hand at both ends, with Motors defending a 9-match unbeaten run while Lairds were chasing a straight seventh victory.  Almost devoid of any clear cut chances, the tie did look destined to be settled by penalties.  Only rarely were either goal properly threatened such was the lack of attacking quality on offer and the overwhelming defensive shape of both sides.

And after Motors had edged in front, Lairds did their best to retrieve the situation but the Motors rearguard stood firm to resist any threat and progress into the last sixteen of this competition, in front of their best attendance of 212 for several seasons.  It was a pity that the crowd were not rewarded with a more open affair.

Vauxhall:  Leigh, Quinn, Mason, Scarisbrick, Mitchell, Cooper, Cross, Murray (Edwards), Holmes, Kiwanda (Exell), Brandon (Carlin).  Subs not used: Drysdale, Hamm.