Phoenix 6, Cross Hills 1

PHOENIX eased their way into the semi-final of the Keighley Cup with a 6-1 win over Cross Hills -- but the South Craven side were left boiling with anger.

A tight match was expected between the two high-flying clubs, but Cross Hills claimed the tie of the round was marred by officials who seemed to favour the Keighley side.

"The game became a farce because a side like Phoenix certainly don't need any help from match officials," said one spectator.

The first half didn't come to life until teh 36th minute when a free kick from Michael Gilmartin found Dale Hoyle unmarked at the far post and he had not trouble heading past keeper Sean McNulty.

Minutes later the best move of the game, which included four quick passes, starting from the left when Danny Spencer sent Rob Horton clear. Horton's pass found Gilmartin who's first touch found Hoyle and he supplied a perfect pass to Sean Bonney who made no mistake from six yards.

Cross Hills game out for the secondhalf determined to take the game to Phoenix and were rewarded when a quick break caught the Keighley defence out of position. But it was a rare mistake from Joe Bryceland which allowed Adam Smith to power a shot into the Phoenix net from 30 yards.

Minutes later Gilmartin restored Phoenix's two goal lead when he scored direct from a corner.

They went further ahead when a long ball from Spencer found Gilmartin. The Cross Hills players appealed for handball, but the referee waved play-on for Gilmartin to score in the corner.

Gilmartin completed his hat-trick when Ross challenged McNulty and the rebound fell at Gilmartin's feet and his first time shot hit the targer.

Hoyle completed the scoring when Richard Waddington's pass found Gilmartin on the right, his first time cross allowed Holye to slide the ball under the keeper.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Phoenix are away at Halifax Irish in the County Amateur League Premier Division League Cup.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.