Bramhope 1, Addingham 1

Honours were even in this scrappy, untidy game played in spring like conditions. Addingham were still without Jamie Taylor, Chlebo and Simon Collins and the lack of real flair, coupled with a week without a game only added to the poor quality fare that was served up.

That said it was still five weeks unbeaten now for Addingham. The bulk of that success is down in no small part to the quality of the defending and goalkeeping.

Once again Dobson, Silverthorne, Mills, Kennedy and in particular Marriot were all magnificent. With Cummings and Mike Kernick marshalling the midfield Addingham have made themselves a very difficult side to break down.

The first-half was dour with neither side gaining any pattern or control, Bramhope had the better chances but only tested Dobson twice, the second forcing a stunning reflex save.

After the break Addingham upped the ante and the game came to life. Last gasp tackles and chances flewgoalwards at either end. The visitors dominated possession but were unable to make the breakthrough.

Somewhat against the run of play Bramhope took the lead. Cummings was fouled in midfield and as Addingham protested the striker took the ball in his path and let fly, the ball looping into the top corner.

Undeterred Addingham battled on and restored parity when a tame back pass looked comfortable for the giant 'keeper but Perkins pressured the kick and somehow managed to charge it down.

With the 'keeper stranded Perkins ran in and tapped it into the empty net. Both sides raised the tempo in the final half hour but the defending was good enough from either team to complete the stalemate.

This Saturday sees Addingham play the postponed cup semi-final against the all conquering Ilkley. This is a tie that both sets of players and supporters will await with relish.

The tie is mouthwatering for so many reasons, none more so than the number of players who have changed sides.

Even with home advantage and after the brilliant display in the last round Addingham know they are still the massive underdogs, but the games between the two sides have never been won by more than a one goal margin. Even with a 40 point gap in the league positions Ilkley know this is a potential banana skin.

With the league now sadly out of their hands Ilkley know this is their last chance of a trophy before they bow out of the Harrogate League at the end of the season.

Last week's postponement has at least enabled Addingham to regain a full strength squad.

Collins' suspension is complete and Carl Kernick, Taylor, Chlebo and Todd will all be available for what promises to be a monumental battle royal. Players meet at the clubhouse at 1 pm.