IT WAS just as well that the first of the Bradford Sunday Alliance League's GOALS Soccer-sponsored cup finals was played alongside a cricket ground as there were goals galore at Manningham Mills.
In what was a record-breaking tally for a knockout final, Oddfellows Celtic Reserves defeated fellow Division 3A side AFC Titans 7-4 on a windswept, rainy afternoon.
In a game where good football was at a premium, Oddfellows moved in front after ten minutes when Titans' keeper fumbled a speculative shot from Jamie Kitching into the net.
It was soon 2-0 but Titans hit back with a goal by Chris Fawcett, only for Oddfellows to immediately make it 3-1.
In the second half, they stretched the margin to 5-2 before the sides shared the last four goals.
Kitching bagged three more for Oddfellows, Gary Worby, Mark Cordingley and Ben Cale also being on the scoresheet.
Man of the match Delvyne Duggan bagged two late goals for gallant losers Titans, Mick Dougan also netting.
In the PREMIER DIVISION, the title is in Thornton United's hands after recording two victories over Stanningley Albion, who have already played their last league game.
United beat Albion 2-0 last Thursday and 2-1 on Sunday, despite Albion taking a first-half lead and remaining in front until 15 minutes before the end.
Then Andy Benjamin curled home a right-footer and, with only a minute to go, Emmot Parr-Gallagher scored from a free-kick 30 yards out to seal victory for the leaders.
West Bowling, who are still in the hunt for the title, beat Peel Park 1-0 but will have to beat Thornton United on Sunday, and United would have to drop points to Sandy Lane in their final fixture a week on Sunday, while Bowling would have to beat Bolton Woods at King George V Playing Fields.
Oakenshaw remain top of DIVISION ONE after defeating Ventus United 3-1 at Yeadon, and are sure to be playing in the Premier Division next season.
White Eagles also sealed promotion with a 4-2 home victory over Bradford Phoenix.
Battling against a very strong wind, the hosts took the lead in the first half but were made to fight hard as Phoenix used the wind to their advantage to put the home goal under pressure from a number of corners, as well as hitting a post.
They equalised just before half-time after some defensive slackness and took the lead in the second half after more rearguard errors.
This jolted Eagles and they quickly levelled before taking the lead a few minutes later.
A fourth goal sealed the win and gave them the points they needed to secure promotion with two games remaining.
Scorers for Eagles were Marcus Edwards (2), Danny Facey and Trinity Brown.
Mill Lane secured the DIVISION 2A championship with a 7-1 victory over Junction Wyke last Thursday and a 4-1 defeat of lowly Bankfoot Lions on Sunday. Steve Hollingsworth scored with two headers in windy conditions.
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