The much-delayed all-Bradford Sunday Alliance League third-round West Riding County FA Sunday Cup tie proved a triumph for White Eagles at Thornton United.
It finished 2-1 to the Division One underdogs as they edged out their Premier hosts thanks to goals by Jamil Joseph and Craig Brearley.
Both sides had chances to score during a goalless first half, with Thornton going closest late on when they hit the woodwork and Eagles keeper Andy Smith foiled a breakaway attack.
The visitors then dominated the early stages of the second period, with Josh Ludford and Joseph proving a handful.
The turning point came after a great run by Ludford ended with a disputed penalty and a red card for the offending defender, with Joseph converting from the spot.
A rare mistake by the Eagles defence enabled Thornton to grab an equaliser with ten minutes left through Dave Wilson, only for Brearley to head a late winner from a corner.
There was another close encounter in the fourth round as competition specialists West Bowling needed extra time before seeing off Belle Isle WMC 2-1.
The Leeds Premier team reached the semi-finals last season and both sides had chances to win inside 90 minutes.
Bowling then hit the post with a penalty four minutes into the extra period but broke the deadlock in their next attack when a superb pass from Scott Marsden picked out Marc Price.
Paul Stafford equalised with just four minutes remaining but Phil Brogan hit a dramatic winner when a shoot-out looked likely.
The Alliance League will be guaranteed a semi-finalist as West Bowling must take on Stanningley Albion in the last eight after they beat highly-fancied St John Fisher 1-0 thanks to Tom Jarman.
Division One side Peel Park’s run came to an abrupt end as they lost 5-2 at holders HT Sports.
Park had a chance to equalise with the score at 1-0 but saw a penalty well saved. Matthew and Anthony Hannan scored their consolation goals.
White Hart also bowed out 4-2 to King George, who must now be one of the favourites having also accounted for Buttershaw White Star in the first round.
Bradford Skip Hire also exited to former champions as they were beaten 5-3 at Thornhill Lees.
The all-Alliance fourth-round tie between Pudsey Amateurs and Junction Wyke in the West Riding County FA Sunday Trophy went the way of the hosts 5-2.
Apperley Bridge won 3-0 at Wellington Westgate to progress but Delius crashed out 6-0 at Inter Athletic.
League action saw Premier Division leaders Buttershaw White Star start 2013 in the same manner they finished last year as they swamped second-bottom hosts Wyke Wanderers 7-0.
Top scorer Steve Hollingworth netted the first two goals and Jordan Missin added a second-half hat-trick, with Adam Barlow and sub John Selby completing the rout.
Division One top dogs Victoria Rangers were shocked 3-0 by Tyersal, while Buttershaw Celtic (Kane Ramsden, Nathan Ramsden) and fellow strugglers Cuedos Rangers shared the points from a 2-2 draw.
Lee Howard and Nick Scullion supplied the Undercliffe goals as they beat Bolton Woods Socials 2-0 in Division 1A.
James O’Brien and Tom Dolan netted two apiece for Lane Ends in Division 1B as they stunned bottom side Fleece 9-1.
Division 2B leaders Swaine Green did even better as they logged 12-1 victory against basement-dwellers AFC Titans. Elliott Holmes (4) and Mathew Pedder (3) led the assault.
Sean Henderson hit a hat-trick as Buttershaw Rangers won 6-2 at Eccleshill to move second.
Grass Greener United are third after beating Bramley by the odd goal in seven, with their strikes coming from Adam Boocock, Lewis Dean, Chris Campbell and Ben Needham.
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