Albion Sports 0, FC Halifax Town 2

Halifax Town progressed to the semi-finals of the West Riding County Cup after being awarded two penalties against Albion Sports at Horsfall Stadium tonight.

One strike in each half was enough for the visitors to reach the last four and, while the Albion supporters may have felt aggrieved by the manner of their defeat, they could not argue that the Shaymen thoroughly deserved their victory.

Albion centre back James Stansfield tugged on a Town shirt in the area in the first half, earning himself a yellow card, and Dan Gardner sent the home keeper the wrong way.

Midway through the second period, another foul in the area led to Dale Johnson firing home from the spot.

Albion manager Kulwinder Sandhu said: “We played deep and within ourselves because I knew if we went all out attack against a side like Halifax we would get ripped apart.

"They had five or six first-team regulars and some squad players, so it was a strong side.

“They were better on the ball and we were beaten by the better team. But we only lost to two penalties and neither of them were stitched on. I’m not saying I haven’t seen them given before but they were soft decisions.

“We huffed and puffed but didn’t create any great chances, so Halifax were worthy winners but going out of a prestigious cup competition still hurts.”