DALE HOYLE hammered in five goals as Phoenix cruised to a 7-1 County Cup victory over Aberford Albion.

The match had been due to be played before Christmas, but flooding, frosts and the festive break played havoc with plans to play the match. Despite the delay a large crowd turned up to support the Keighley team and were not disappointed.

Phoenix went ahead against the run of play after 12 minutes when Danny Spencer picked up a pass in his own half and beat three Aberford players before slipping the ball through to Hoyle sho shot under the advancing keeper.

Aberford were soon level when centre forward Hutchinson received the ball from midfield, his turn and first time shot into the top corner gave keeper Linyard no chance.

After 20 minutes of aberford pressure Phoenix sweeper Graham Bairstow was brought down with a very late challenge from Askew, giving the referee no option but to send him off.

With an extra man Phoenix soon got the upper hand and Gilmartin's pass found Hoyle unmarked to score. Just a minute later the same combination made it 3--1 and Hoyle scored his fourth again after good work by Gilrmartin.

The Aberford defence couldn't handle Danny Spencer's penetrating runs up the left wing and after one of his bursts Stephen Lister got onto the scoresheet, slotting into the bottom corner, after a Hoyle layback.

Playing down the left wing seemed to be paying dividends for Phoenix and Ben Furness played a one-two with Rob Horton, before finding Spencer in space. His low cross allowed Gilmartin to side-foot the ball home to make it 5-1.

The sixth goal came again with Furness and Horton combining for Hoyle to head in at the far past to stretch their lead to 6-1.

Aberford came out determined to limit the damage after the break, packing the defence and midfield while they relied on quick breaks up front, which Phoenix handled well.

Only one more goal was scored in the half when Hoyle picked up a misdirected back pass to take his personal tally to five. More goals should have come, but poor finishing and outstanding keeping kept the score down.

n In the next round Phoenix travel to Manningham Mills on January 22 with a 2pm kick off.

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