SHAMROCKS kept their feet on the ground after beating Phoenix in the Keighley FA Cup -- and followed up with a crucial league victory over Altofts.

They secured a 4-3 away victory which moved them to within one point of Division One leaders Steeton with a game in hand. Steve Duckworth and Adam Fradley gave them an early 2-0 lead only for Altofts to claw their way back to level terms just before the break.

In the second half Shammies showed determination with Adam Dykes and Paul Driver given them a 4-2 lead.

The home side fought back to within one goal, but Shammies held out to deny them an equaliser as they moved into second spot.

Steeton were on league cup duty and slipped to a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Dudley Hill Rangers who are struggling in the league. Damien Whiteoak and D Gaudiosi scored for Steeton as they held the home side 2-2 at the break, but they went down hill in the second half, conceding three goals without reply.

Keighley Phoenix were more than a match for Brighouse Town for 70 minutes of their Premier Division clash. A new found resilience rattled the home side and Joe Bryceland finished off some excellent support play with a 30-yard rocket that flew into the top corner.

Brighouse created chances and had a goal disallowed when their striker impeded Phoenix keeper Paul Linyard. Danny Spencer nearly made it 2-0 before the break but his long range effort was brilliantly saved.

The Keighley side kept Brighouse at bay for most of the second period, but the equalised when a corner was not cleared efficiently and snatchedthe points with just three minutes left on the clock.

Silsden blew their chances of progessing in the league cup after poor finishing let them down. They dominated the first half but only had a single Mick Ward goal, which came after good work by Jimmy Hedges, to show for their efforts.

In the second half Silsden again pressured Hemsworth with Andy Holden on great form, but with 10 minutes to go the Silsden defence was caught pushing forward allowing Hemsworth a simple equalising opportunity.

In the dying minutes the defence once again allowed Hemsworth too much room and they snatched victory with Mick Toon scoring both their goals.

Tomorrow Silsden are at home to the Friendly Inn, Halifax, in the West Riding Challenge Cup with the Reserve team also at home to Barclays in the Challenge Trophy.

Phoenix Reserves recorded a 3-2 victory over Wibsey with M Labbett (2) and I Zamon on target for the Keighley team.

Silsden Reserves also slipped to defeat, going down 2-1 to Wakefield City with M Whitaker scoring the only goal of the second half for the Cobbydale team.

Steeton Reserves were on hot goal scoring form putting seven past Hall Green Unted. Ian Craven slotted four and he was backed up by goals from T Cooper, A Netherton and Gavin Baluk.