FC St Helens progressed into the Cheshire Football League JA Walton Cup semi finals with an impressive 5-0 rout of a competitive Orford side.

On a bitterly cold afternoon at Windleshaw Sports, FC made a positive start to the game against the League Two side many will fancy for promotion this season.

Having started on the front foot Captain Liam Houghton capitalised on hesitant Orford defending on 8 minutes to score a goal of the season contender with a volley from the edge of the box, which edged the hosts into the lead.

Shortly after FC doubled the lead when pressure high up the field resulted in Paul Sweeney winning the ball and Will Threlkeld providing the assist for Lee Deakin.

Sweeney then scored the third shortly after the half hour mark, heading home Deakin's cross. Deakin then calmly chipped the goal keeper from outside the box shortly before the half to send the hosts in at half time with a commanding 4-0 lead.

After the break the visitors came out clearly motivated from stern words, and put the hosts under pressure as they worked to establish a foothold in the game.

St Helens however remained resilient and kept control of the game before Will Threlkeld confidently scored his first goal in red and white on 70 minutes to seal a comfortable 5-0 victory for FC against the hard working Warrington side.

The result sees the Reds book a semi final away at Warrington Town Reserves later in the year.