With the weather again forcing a change of venue to Eccles College, Heys overcame a difficult opening quarter to join Royton Town, Manchester Gregorians and Stockport Georgians in the hat for the last four.

After their first League defeat of the season against AFC Monton seven days earlier all eyes were on Heys to see if the defeat was a blip or not. With several enforced personnel and positional changes, they did make a tentative start but once in front they never really looked back to emerge deserved winners.

Old Alts came into the game on the back of seven successive defeats but they started confidently, taking the game to Heys and playing with a lot of energy to close down space.

Heys faced a couple of anxious moments if no direct threat in the opening exchanges before a strong run and shot from Dalton McLaughlin brought the first chance in the 15th minute.

Indeed, amidst increasing signs Heys were finding their rhythm they took the lead in the 22nd minute. Darius Photiou broke down the right before swinging in a super cross equally matched by a header into the top corner from Greg Wills.

The goal rocked the visitors and they were fortunate not to fall further behind three minutes later when from a short corner Paul Tierney cut into the box and let rip with a fiercely struck angled shot that Tom Taylor spectacularly tipped over the bar.

From the ensuing corner Wes Bancroft saw a shot blocked with the ball the breaking to John Blackley who lifted his shot over from close range.

Nonetheless, Heys were now playing with greater freedom to keep the Old Alts defence stretched although the away side still had some promising moments notably just before the interval when Dwayne Greenwood had a good chance but shot into the side netting.

However, any hopes Old Alts had of getting back into the game were reduced within five minutes of the restart when Heys increased their lead.

Wills, McLaughlin and Jamie Baguley linked to great effect with the latter feeding Wes Bancroft who finished with a smartly driven low shot.

Rob Sadler had to be alert as he dropped at the foot of the post to push a Matt Jamieson shot away as the visitors looked to respond but such hopes were extinguished on the hour in spectacular fashion.

After a free kick was given some 25 yards out Baguley stepped up and rifled a precision shot right into the top right hand corner giving the ‘keeper no chance.

Heys remained comfortable from there on in although Old Alts continued to work hard and look for some reward for their efforts.

However, Heys wrapped up the scoring in the 90th minute. Having been thwarted earlier, Erike Sousa was not to be denied a second time as he won possession to break clear, round the keeper and slot home.