CARTMEL and Milnthorpe Corinthians booked their place in the Westmorland Senior Challenge Cup final following a dramatic afternoon of action across the region.

Cartmel, who ply their trade in the North Lancashire & District Football League, progressed to the showpiece occasion, to be held at Parkside Road on April 30, after they dumped out reigning champions and Division One leaders Keswick in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw.

The hosts dominated the first half with chances for Carl Airey and Adam Harding passing by as Keswick stopper Dan Gaskell repelled all efforts to keep the score goalless at the break.

It was Keswick who took the lead shortly after the break when Andy Rigg struck a curling cross which found the back of the Cartmel net.

But the lead lasted for just five minutes as Cartmel were straight back in the game with a Karl Davidson goal.

Keswick regained the lead through Richard Bell when he slotted in a marvellous free kick which fooled Cartmel goalie Andrew Kendall before the home side were then reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Adam Harding.

However despite the numerical disadvantage, Airey scored his second 32 minutes into the second half to send the game to extra time.

In this see-saw battle Keswick regained the lead when Lewis Cumber powered home past the keeper before Glen Sergeant took the game to penalties.

Cartmel keeper Andrew Kendall was the match winner as he saved two penalties from Andy Rigg and Richard Bannister.

And Milnthorpe Corinthians defeated Burneside 2-1 in the other semi final at Hollins Lane.

Elliot Bousfield equalised for Corinthians after Kevin Pickering put Burneside in front before 16-year-old Jamie Woodruff scored the match winner with an effort from 25 yards.

And it was also a pivotal afternoon in Westmorland League Division One as Kendal United moved to within three points of league leaders Keswick, after they defeated Kirkoswald 4-1 at Bulmire Stripes.

Kendal Utd always had the measure of Kirkoswald, who had a player sent off, as Elliott Richardson scored a brace, before Andy Lockhart and under 16 player Bailey Kenny sealed the win.

It was a dramatic afternoon at The Havera Playing Fields as Sedbergh Wanderers scored a last gasp goal to secure a point in a high scoring 3-3 thriller with Ibis.

Ibis scored through Jez Walsh, Josh Ford and Callum Taylor however Sedbergh responded through Shaun Gardner and Luke Packham, before 16-year-old debutant Liam Mason scored at the death for a share of the spoils.

Kendal County Reserves won the crucial game at the bottom as they defeated Unisun Athletic 2-1 and Windermere won 3-1 at Lunesdale United.

While in The High Sheriffs Cup Wetheriggs United won 2-0 at Ambleside United.

In Westmorland League Division Two, Kendal United Reserves lost further ground at the top of the division, as they lost 4-3 at Braithwaite.

Greystoke and Dent drew 1-1, while Langwathby United edged out Shap in a 1-0 win. Keswick Reserves were the biggest winners as they routed Ambleside United Reserves 7-0.

Phil Edmondson scored all four goals as he helped Coniston into the next round of The Mason and Freeman Cup following a 4-2 win over Staveley Utd.

Endmoor KGR also progressed in the same competition as they defeated Carleton Banks 3-1 at Woodside Road.

The final cup game saw Pirelli win 1-0 at Wetherigg United Reserves.

Eden Thistle extended their lead at the top of Division Three as they won 3-1 at Penrith Royal.

Dent Reserves defeated Penrith Saints 4-2 while Windermere Reserve battled past Appleby Reserve in a 2-0 win.

It was a dramatic afternoon at the Jubilee Playing Field as Ibis Reserves defeated Burneside Reserve 5-4 in the Peter Daws Memorial Shield.

In the other cup ties, Ullswater Utd defeated Lunesdale United Reserves 5-1 while AFC Carlisle won 3-0 at Kirkoswald Reserves.