AS THE weather took a turn for the better, the majority of teams from the Trowbridge Windows & Conservatories-sponsored Trowbridge League made a welcome return to action.

With waterlogged pitches claiming all bar one match since the turn of the year, the league received a welcome boost as all four Knockout cup quarter-finals beat the elements.

White Horse FC, who won the Chantry Digital-sponsored competition last term after coming from 2-0 down to beat Potterne 3-2 in a thrilling final remain on course to defend their title after seeing off a spirited challenge from second division Luxol St Andrews Reserves who, after taking the lead, suffered a 3-1 loss.

Luxol opened the scoring on 15 minutes, Lewis Porter conceding a penalty which was converted by Ben Howlett.

Within a minute, White Horse were on level terms, Jordan Gullis drawing a foul in the area leading to another penalty which Allan Clarke drove home to make it 1-1.

Horse took the lead in the 25th minute, Gullis getting on the end of an excellent team move to put the holders 2-1 up.

White Horse made the game safe on 60 minutes, Kane Scott heading home to wrap up victory of Allan Clarke’s side.

Last term's beaten Knockout Cup finalists Potterne visited fellow first division stable mates Aces FC and having beaten them 5-2 in the league back in October they would have been confident of keeping their dreams of reaching another final alive.

After 45 minutes and leading 1-0 they looked set do just that, but a superb second-half showing from Aces saw them turn the game on its head to run out 8-1 victors.

Aces trailed at the interval to a Clive McDaid goal but restored parity courtesy of Steve Tuke’s angled drive that made it 1-1.

Tom Pang caught Potterne on the break to put Aces 2-1 up and another ball over the top set up Dave Gaskin to give Aces a 3-1 lead.

Pang added number four and set up Dan Hatcher for the fifth.

Tuke scored the next two goals to complete his hat-trick and a second of the game from Gaskin sealed what was a remarkable win for Aces.

First division leaders Heytesbury welcomed second division Melksham Town A for their quarter-final tie and it was the visitors to Park Street who claimed their place in the semi-final line-up thanks to a convincing 7-3 win.

Melksham had the tie won in the opening half hour as two goals for Jake Sainsbury and Rhys Talmash on his debut put hem 3-0 in front.

Ashley Caws reduced the arrears for Heytesbury but thanks to a second of the afternoon from Talmash the visitors went in the break 4-1 up.

Talmash made sure his debut was one to remember as he fired home his third of the game for Barry Holloway’s side before goals from Jamie Howse and Leigh Kennedy saw the hosts stage a mini-revival which was halted by Sean Horobin, prior to Jake Sainsbury grabbing his third of the game to take Melksham safely through to the semi-finals.

On paper, the pick of the quarter-finals ties was the one at Leighton Sports Centre where second division leaders Westbury Town hosted first division high flyers Warminster Town Reserves.

Jason Edwards' hosts boasted a 100 per cent record going into the game but his much-fancied side were undone by Mark Brevitt’s side, who conjured up a 2-1 win to end Westbury’s hopes of completing a League and Cup treble.

What was predicted to be a classic contest never lived up to expectations as Warminster arrived at Leighton in the mood for victory while the hosts never really got going and it was no surprise that Warminster should open the scoring with Craig Sheppard giving them a half-time lead.

Sam Clift doubled Warminster’s advantage when he made it 2-0 from the penalty spot, Joe Moloney pulled a goal back for Westbury on 80 minutes but it was a case of too little, too late as Warminster held on to take their place in the last four.