Baildon Trinity Athletic 3

St Andrews 2

Baildon Trinity Athletic played hosts to Halifax based side, St Andrews in the County Challenge Cup. Baildon started brightly and went one up after just ten minutes after a well struck shot by Richard Walker was followed up by Nick James.

James knocked the ball into the open goal after the 'keeper spilled Walker's drive. Baildon then seemed to go to sleep and were caught napping when the St Andrews forwards robbed the ball in midfield and put some neat passes together before striking home.

Unbelievably, they went 2-1 up as more sloppy play from Baildon resulted in St Andrews having men over at the far post to easily score just before the break. With Baildon behind, some home truths were explained at half-time by manager Karl Zanft and Baildon emerged for the second-half with some serious questions to be answered. It was all Baildon in the second-half and debutant Baildon 'keeper Gareth Rendall had very little to do.

The St Andrews defence was holding strong however and Baildon could not find a way through. The clock ticked on to the 86th minute and Baildon were committing more and more men forward.

Finally the equaliser came through a ferocious drive from Darren Thornton. The ball spilled out of a goalmouth scramble for him to smash home. Extra-time beckoned. However, in the 87th minute Paul Clarke bundled home the winner from close range after Nick James crossed from the right. Baildon were through but by the skin of their teeth.

l On Saturday Baildon visit Tadcaster Magnets in the League.