Skipton Bulldogs made unexpected progress into Round Two of the West Riding FA County Cup when their weakened side proved more than equal to a first round test at Horbury Town, where they won 5-2.

The Wakefield League team had not lost a game for two seasons in domestic competition and was well fancied to go through, but the Craven League champions were up for the challenge. They needed to have goal-keeper James Wiggan in top form in the early stages as the home side played some attractive football, but once Matt Reeday put the visitors ahead after 12 minutes, they never looked back.

Chris Simpson latched onto a great through ball from Richard Johnston to extend the Bulldogs' lead and an own goal made it 3-0 at the break when a perfect Simpson cross caused panic in the home defence.

Skipton had to play against the slope after the break and needed to defend solidly as Horbury sought to get back into the game, but though the home side pulled a goal back, two goals by Jimmy McConville made the game safe before the home side snatched a late consolation score.

"I was pleased with a very good team performance in which everybody worked hard," says manager David Critchlow: "We obviously have some of our more experienced players missing at the moment, but we came through well, with 16-year-old Robert Watson having a fine game.