MICK GILMARTIN took Phoenix into the last 16 of the County Cup with an impresive opening goal.

Gilmartin out away the first half strike which gave the Keighley side confidence to take on top club Crag Road United on their own ground.

After taking the one goal lead into the break Phoenix continued to show the confidence which has brought them success in the County Amateur League.

Rob Horton socred their second and although United pulled one back the Keighley side were always in control of the game.

Silsden came within an ace of making the last 16 of the County Cup, but slipped to a 4-3 defeat by Carlton Athletic.

For 10 minutes Silsden pounded the Athletic defence in a desperate attempt to get a late equaliser.

Rob Pearson and Andy Holden were at the forefront of the bombardment, but despite their best team performance of the season, particularly in a spectacular second half, they could not get the goal to take the match into extra time.

The final minutes were in sharp contrast to the cautious opening period as the teams tested each others strengths.

Carlton opened the scoring after some sloppy silsden defending and increased their lead after 25 minutes, Silsden onced again failing to clear the ball.

Things looked to be going from bad to worse for the Cobbydale side when Andy Geary was sent off and Carlton stretched their lead to 3-0 from the resulting free kick.

Silsden were facing an uphill task against the team which won the cup two years ago, but they dug deep and started to produce the flowing style of football which has made them a serious threat throughout the season.

After the break Carlton were also reduced to 10 men and Silsden really took the game to the visitors. They pulled a goal back through Ryan Hook after he latched on to a through ball from Jimmy Hedges.

Martin Bland was pulled down in the box, Andy Holden putting away the penalty to pull back to 3-2.

With silsden's midfield of Martin and Matthew Bland, Rob Pearson and Andy Holden in control, Silsden pushed hard against a well organised team.

Carlton scored a dubious fourth goal after first Matthew Bland was pulled down, and then a supsected hand ball in penalty area was missed.

Once again Silsden pressed and were rewarded with another excellent Andy Holden goal after a great interchange of passes throughout the team.

After giving Athletic their biggest shock of the season Silsden return to local soccer action when they take on Connonly at Keighley Road tomorrow (Saturday).

n Silsden's Sunday side are still riding high in the West Riding County Sunday Cup, after taking a 3-1 victory over Leeds side Star, last weekend.

In a very even first half chances went begging at both ends.

Silsden took control in the second period despite very sticky conditions, but they couldn't capitalise on their possession.

Star broke away with 15 minutes to go and scored what looked like a winner.

As time ticked away Silsden powered onto the attack and Steve Gray was pulled down by the keeper. Steve Carling converted the penalty.

Gray followed up with an impressive goal, rounding the stranded keeper after being put clear.

Martin McLennan added a third with the last kick of the game.

The victory took them into the last 16 of the competition.

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