Burley U-14s 2

Silsden 1

For this generation of Burley Juniors, this was an historic result, the first time ever they had beaten Silsden. In innumerable past encounters, they had lost out by the odd goal in seven or nine; this season, they had suffered two heavy defeats, the latest four days before this cup clash.

To say that success was sweet (and defeat quite mystifying for Silsden) is an understatement. Perhaps Silsden were expecting as easy a victory as their 10-1 margin the previous weekend when unprecedented error upon error contributed to a disheartened and disheartening Burley display.

Certainly, Burley were ready to try and prove what they were actually capable of following a rousing Jim Jackson team talk before the game and an astute combination of tactical switches.The influential mid-fielder Tom Higman was moved into the back four where he was to play the match of his life, tackling like a terrier and playing long through balls to utilise the pace of Adam Rhodes and the returning Phil Buckley, with Ryan Scannell dropping in behind.

Cutting out the midfield, where Silsden would expect to dominate, proved a match-winning ploy.

The match began exactly as Silsden would have expected, a goal coming early following a mistimed defensive header which fell at a forward's feet to be fired home impressively.

It must have felt as if the floodgates were opening once more. However, dogged defence from Laurie Swan, Dave Healey, Danny Holden and Higman kept Silsden at bay for long stretches despite constant pressure.

As the second-half wore on, keeping the scoreline down to respectable figures might have seemed the best Burley could hope for, with Lee Jackson (playing with fractured fingers), Ben Gardiner and Richard Walkington all giving of their best in the middle of the pitch and covering back whenever necessary. Suddenly, with 20 minutes remaining, the unthinkable occurred.

Rhodes pushed the ball forward for Buckley to sprint through the Silsden defence and score. The goal was all the more astonishing because he had been unavailable for the previous game because of glandular fever.

Five minutes later, the impossible happened. The ball was headed from midfield into the Silsden area, the ball was allowed to bounce and, on the hard pitch, rose high enough for Rhodes to meet it with his head and nod it over the advancing 'keeper.

The Burley supporters were in raptures. For the 15 remaining minutes, Burley clung on with a passion, surviving various Silsden attempts including a near-perfect free-kick .

So, Burley progress in the cup and Silsden must be left wondering how the gods can present them with such different experiences of playing the same side.

Wilsden U-11s B 3

Otley Town U-11s B 1

This was not a good day for Otley Town Under-11s. After the A team's unexpected defeat, the B team hoped to even things up but also came a cropper. Admittedly the steeply-sloping pitch made good passing football difficult but nonetheless it was surprising that Otley were not able to do better.

Murray Simm had a good game making a number of excellent runs but in nearly every case his well-struck shots were saved by the 'keeper. Early in the second-half, however Simm broke the deadlock with a delicately placed shot which would surely open the floodgates?

Sadly not. Goalkeeper Chris Baker, who had earlier made some good saves, was beaten by a freak lob which bounced high over his head. Seconds later, Wilsden came out best in a scramble following a corner to take a shock lead.

Otley pushed forward in a bid to get back into the match and get something out of the day for the club but a fast counter-attack saw Wilsden add to their score. Otley had plenty of chances, probably more than Wilsden, but once again failed to convert them and paid the price.

Bolton Woods 2

Guiseley U-15s 1

Guiseley are still hopeful of hauling back on the leaders in the newly expanded top division of the Craven League. They can still secure a top three position and will have a large say in the final placings, with leading teams such as Bolton Woods, Shipley and Pool to play.

They are also through to the last eight in the Craven League Cup and have drawn Eccleshill Blues this Friday evening at Wrose (6.15pm).

Against Bolton Woods Guiseley slipped up against one of the classier sides although they played well in several spells of attractive football.

Lewis Blakey broke through from the first whistle only to be denied by a great save. Andy Simmonds was also denied but Woods showed how dangerous they can be on the attack when they shot narrowly over. Minutes later they pounced on a poor clearance and Neil Shearer swept the ball into the net.

Guiseley hunted for the equaliser. Chris Davey fired a free-kick just over and a shot from Blakey flew narrowly wide. They had to wait until 15 minutes into the second-half when Will Stubbs crossed to Tom Stephenson whose interchange with Chris Davey resulted in a lovely goal.

Woods put Guiseley under fierce pressure. Ben Webster's never-say-die attitude saved them on more than one occasion until Guiseley eventually won through to gain a distinct upper hand as they started to control the game for the first time. Ironically Shearer scored against the run of play to demoralise Guiseley and clinch the points.

Pool U-15s 5

Guiseley U-15s 4

For the first time this season Guiseley suffered two defeats in a row and they could have no arguments as Pool gained revenge for their cup exit earlier in the season, aided by a Stuart Pank hat-trick but ending in a nail biting finish as they won by the odd goal in nine.

Guiseley were the livelier in the early stages. Joe Roper had a stinging 25 yard drive tipped over magnificently by Pool 'keeper Matty Horne. However, Horne was helpless to stop Lewis Blakey as he skipped into the box and slotted the ball home at the far post to put Guiseley ahead.

Pool were incensed and came back in reply to steamroller the Guiseley defence with four first-half goals. Stuart Pank claimed his first with a straightforward header from a corner. Adam Smith added a second after a defensive error, then supplied a telling ball for Pank to sweep in his second. The hat-trick was completed when Pank picked up a rebound off 'keeper Jake Wray and composed himself well to steer the ball in.

The game seemed to be over in the second-half when Ryan McMurray converted a penalty to give Pool a 5- 1 lead. Guiseley thought differently, dug in and started to play some decent football.

Horne parried a vicious strike from Will Stubbs and the ball fell for Lewis Blakey to fire in. Andy Simmonds went agonisingly close before Stubbs scored with an excellent volley.

Pool's nerves were rattled as Stubbs netted again to make it 5-4 and set up a tense finish to a game they should have killed off.

Guiseley U-15s 5

Pool U-15s 2

Guiseley were able to make up for their defeat within days. The return match featured some attractive football from both sides.

Tom Stephenson went close and then Paddy Clough unleashed a shot which Matty Horne parried but the ball came to Andy Simmonds who gratefully converted. Pool equalised through Duffield.

After 20 minutes Blakey scored one of the best goals seen at Nethermoor this season.

He carried the ball from his own half, beat four increasingly desperate tackles and slotted the ball in. Guiseley went 3-1 up through Will Stubbs.

After the break Pool fought to get back into the game and went close only for Simmonds to put Guiseley further ahead. Pool pulled one back, Matt Jones netting after Wray had saved the first attempt.

At the other end Horne pulled off a remarkable save from Stubbs and then repeated the feat only for Tom Stephenson to score from the rebound.

In the closing moments Guiseley went very close to increasing their lead with a delicate chip shot from Blakey and Simmonds shot just wide

Guiseley U-15s 3

Bolton Woods 3

A point apiece was a fair result for two very good footballing sides but Guiseley can count themselves as being on the receiving end of some very bad luck, including the cruellest of own goals and a debatable off-side goal.

Woods hit the bar with a header but Guiseley took the lead through Will Stubbs and they went further ahead when he headed a corner to the feet of James Turner who fired home. Woods' Jason Butters made it 2-1 with a goal that was allowed but looked well off-side.

In the second-half Jake Wray saved a powerful header while the Woods 'keeper dealt with a Tom Stephenson header. Mid-way through the half Davey steered a corner onto the head of Tom Stephenson to make the score 3-1. It was looking good for the home team until an own goal put Woods back into the game and then they equalised through a magnificent free-kick by Kyle Shah to steal a point.

Menston U-14s 2

Oakworth 1

MENSTON Hotshots produced an outstanding performance against championship hopefuls Oakworth in an entertaining match. Menston took a two goal lead and held out against determined opponents.

Keeper Nick Keinhorst was Man-of-the-Match with an excellent penalty save. Dario De Vito scored one goal and Joe Hendrie and Tom Lee impressed. James Gilhooly and Jeremy Barraclough also enjoyed good displays in the heart of Hotshots' defence, well supported by Danny Owens and Michael Kelly.