CAMPION have had a nightmare few days, with their dreams of glory going up in smoke in spectacular fashion.

Finishing second in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division gave them home advantage in their play-off semi-final on Saturday against fifth-placed Albion Sports.

But the visitors won the Bradford derby 2-0 thanks to a brace from Ash Flynn, with a red card for Campion keeper Brad Emmerson the decisive moment in the match.

That has put Albion into this weekend’s play-off final against Garforth Town, but there was still a chance for Campion to end the season on a high.

They had an NCEL League Cup semi-final away to Division One champions Parkgate last night, with the winner progressing into the final next Wednesday at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park ground.

Emley were already there, and with their eyes on the double having beaten Campion to the Premier Division title.

For the Red and Blacks, May 8 was supposed to be the perfect opportunity for revenge, but they reckoned without a Parkgate side who had won Division One with a remarkable 107 points from their 44 games.

The home side won the game 2-0, setting up a ‘Champion of Champions’ finale next week in Scunthorpe.

Campion made the brighter start in Rotherham last night, forcing home keeper Jordan Greaves into two good saves, before sending a shot just over the bar following a defensive error.

But Parkgate’s Ahmed Tahar served them a warning when he headed a corner just over the bar, with the hosts growing in confidence as the first half wore on.

And they carried that momentum into the second half, with Tahar putting them in front with a glorious curling effort into the top right corner after 49 minutes.

As the half wore on, Parkgate were looking likeliest to score the second goal of the game.

Cian Guest headed an effort off the post after some brilliant work down the left from Ross Duggan, then provider almost turned goalscorer, only for his free-kick to be brilliantly saved.

But Parkgate were not to be denied, and they sealed victory when Guest’s cross was deflected into the net with a few minutes to go.

Tahar had a late effort saved, as Parkgate ended the game on top, and they deservedly made it through to the final.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Campion's joint-managers James Bicknell and Lee Ashforth have worked wonders over the last few years with Campion, but after winning a double last season, their side have fallen in the final few hurdles this time around.Campion's joint-managers James Bicknell and Lee Ashforth have worked wonders over the last few years with Campion, but after winning a double last season, their side have fallen in the final few hurdles this time around. (Image: Martin Taylor.)

Last night also saw the final game of the regular NCEL Premier Division season.

Due to postponements, Barton Town had a huge backlog of games, and with neither they nor last night’s opponents Eccleshill United in play-off contention, they were able to round off their respective campaigns late.

And it was worth the wait for Bradford side Eccleshill, who came from behind to snatch a 2-1 home win at the death.

An end to end first half, with decent chances for both sides, somehow ended goalless, but Barton took the lead just after the break through Kian Salter.

Eccleshill hit back to equalise with 15 minutes to go, Zack Sangster finding the net, before Fredy Bernard picked the perfect time to score his first goal of the season.

He netted the winner in second-half stoppage-time, meaning Eccleshill finished their season in 16th, well clear of relegation, with 41 points from their 38 games.