
Runcorn Linnets Under 21s men advanced into a cup final in their first season since relaunching last summer.
They outclassed AFC Liverpool 6-0 in the North West Development League's Championship Division B Trophy at APEC Taxis Stadium.
Linnets will now meet Kidsgrove Athletic, who defeated Steven Gerrard Academy in the other semi.
With five points separating fourth-placed Linnets and AFCL (in sixth) in the league table, a closer game had been anticipated.
But the scoreline reflected the home side's superiority.
The Runcorn work rate and discipline in an often feisty affair were just as impressive as their general play and finishing.
Linnets had scored twice before the break with Macauley Clifton sending them into an early lead, lashing home from inside box.
Lewis Crane, fresh from his matchwinning exploits for the first team the previous day, provided the cross.
Crane then scored himself, dispatching the ball into an empty net after being gifted the opportunity by a defensive mistake.
Just prior to this, AFC Liverpool had enjoyed their best spell of a competitive half.
A rare moment of danger for the home defence was averted by a timely goalline block by Runcorn right back Callum Prince in the 29th minute.
Linnets made it 3-0 within five minutes of the restart to put the result beyond reasonable doubt.
Crane sent the 'keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after Jaden Ditchfield had been brought down when running away from goal.
The visiting No.1 denied Crane his hat-trick with a smart save.
Interval substitute Bala Ibrahim surprisingly shot wide after cutting through the centre of AFCL's defence.
Crane then saw another chance for his third goal go begging as he dwelled on the ball too long.
However, Runcorn added their fourth goal from a 65th-minute corner from the left with tall midfielder Ditchfield flicking a header behind him and inside the right post.
There was no respite for the by now beleaguered Reds.
Ibrahim sidestepped past their replacement 'keeper to make it 5-0 before squeezing in a headed sixth for the hosts.
He had been left unmarked at a long free-kick.
AFCL were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute by a red card for a second bookable offence and to nine with time almost up because of a sinbinning.
In between, the away side produced two of their best efforts of the tie.
Alex Ellams saved them both to preserve his clean sheet.
Runcorn Linnets Under 21s: Alex Ellams, Callum Prince, Ben Dobbie, Arty Benjamin, Jay Lee, Josh Elverstone, Asnafi Shamari, Jaden Ditchfield, Lewis Crane, Macauley Clifton, Harry Vernon. Subs (all used): Billy McNay, Bala Ibrahim, Josh May, James Prescott, Zack Parker.
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