PHOENIx FC face a date with their soccer destiny this weekend -- as they bid to reach the semi-final of the West Riding County Cup.

The high flying Keighley club take on Bay Athletic in the quarter final at Marley tomorrow (Saturday) and expect a big crowd to give them backing.

Club spokesman Roy Mason said: "With out current form we are looking for a big turnout on Saturday and hope the Keighley public will come down in force and give us their support. We anticipate a big crowd and have extra copies of our programme printed."

Phoenix have the best defensive record in the whole of the County Amateur League and have only conceded nine goals so far this season. After gaining promotion last year they are currently mid-table in the Premier Division, but they are just eight points behind leaders Ovenden West Riding, with five games in hand.

Bay Athletic are top of Division One having lost only two league games, but have conceded 22 goals during the campaign.

Keighley Central were the last local team to win the County Cup, beating Brook Sports 2-1 in the cup final replay of 1967-68. Since then Silsden made the semi-final in 1973-74 when they were beaten by the eventual winners, Brackenhall United, and Trevor Hockey's Keighley Town also reached the semi-final stage in the 1982-83 season when they were beaten by Armthorpe Welfare.

"It should be a thrilling game between two closely matched teams. Our defence has been rock solid all season with ex-Hartlepool United player Paul Linyard on top form in goal and captain Mark Atkins in the centre of defence.

"With strikers Mick Gillmartin and Dale Hoyle, who has been out for much of the last two years with a broken leg, both on fine form supporters should be treated to an exciting game," Roy Mason said.

The game kicks off at 1.45pm.

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