WINNINGTON Avenue 1994 secured a safe passage to the Crewe and District League’s AJ Cooke Cup semi finals following a slender 1-0 victory on Saturday.

Paul Fletcher’s own goal for clubmates Winnington Avenue separated the two teams in a Group A encounter at Jubilee Field, leaving Avenue 1994 to qualify as runners-up behind Barnton Wanderers.

Wanderers are four points clear in first place with a game in hand.

They will host back-markers Avenue in the league this weekend, while Avenue 1994 entertain second-bottom Mary Dendy.

Crewe FC reserves and Curshaws are favourites to progress from the other group.