Non-League Soccer: Battling Stalybridge Celtic broke Guiseley's hearts in last night's UniBond League Challenge Cup final when they struck a winner eight minutes from time to lift the trophy 2-1.

The Cheshire side, who came into the UniBond last term when then manager Mel Sterland failed in his bid to beat the drop from the Conference, had home advantage but had been a goal down. A major turning point in the match came when Peter Atkinson missed doubling Guiseley's lead by the width of the post.

Following a goalless first half Guiseley took the lead through Lee Poole when his 50th minute shot hit a defender and looped over the home keeper.

Atkinson's shot, after good inter-passing from him and Stuart Airdrie, which shaved the post came in the 68th minute and less than 60 seconds later Stalybridge were level when Martin Filson headed home following a corner.

A long punt forward on 82 minutes gave substitute Andy May the chance to race on and with only keeper Steve Dickinson to beat he slotted in.

Bradford Park Avenue also returned from their journey over the Pennines with no reward after losing 2-0 to title chasing Manchester club Droylsden in the UniBond Division One.

Home keeper Dave Williams made two important stops from Jason Maxwell and Damien Lee to deny Avenue as they edged the goalless first half.

The visitors problems began with a set piece five minutes into the second period. A corner was whipped into the area and Ian Harold arrived at the far post to power home a header.

On the hour Lee Cooper settled the issue. From a Mick Jones through ball he rounded Avenue keeper Karl Lenaghan before forcing the ball home from an angle.

In the Northern Counties East Premier Division derby, lowly Eccleshill United enjoyed a 3-0 triumph over top three contenders Liversedge at Clayborn.

United keeper Craig Bates made a spectacular save to deny home skipper Mick Carter in the first minute. The visitors then took a sixth minute lead when a Stuart Waite cross was headed in by Paul Bulgin.

Two goals in four minutes just after the hour sealed the points for the visitors. Waite cracked home a sunning 35-yard shot and Jason Ryan lobbed Bibby from the edge of the area to complete the scoring.

Farsley Celtic will have several regulars missing when they complete their home programme in the UniBond Division One tonight, second from the bottom Whitley Bay are the visitors at Throstle Nest.

Striker Ian Blackstone (suspended), defenders Paul Stevenson and skipper Steve Learoyd (unavailable) and midfielders Paul Wharton and Matt Flynn (injured) are all ruled out.

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