Bradford duo progress in FA Sunday Cup but West Bowling lose shoot-out (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford duo progress in FA Sunday Cup but West Bowling lose shoot-out

5:00pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in Sport By Trevor Adams

West Bowling were involved in a thrilling first-round FA Sunday Cup tie at Horsfall Stadium yesterday.

Their visitors were Thirly from the Liverpool Business League, and West Bowling hit the woodwork three times in the first half, with Joe Jagger prominent on all three occasions.

Patsy Hollinger did put the hosts in front before the interval but the visitors were relieved to go into the break only a goal behind.

The Merseysiders improved in the second half and deservedly equalised with 15 minutes to go when a cross somehow finished in the back of the Bowling net, sending the tie into extra-time.

There were no further goals and the tie went to penalty kicks, Thirly winning the sequence 6-5.

The Bradford Sunday Alliance League were represented by two other clubs, with new boys Thornton United convincing defeating Humberside opposition Hessle United at Manningham Mills.

In the first half, Hessle had the better chances and United struggled to keep possession.

Against the run of play, a defensive mistake let striker Chris Lever take the ball round the keeper to put the hosts in front just before the break.

In the second half, the hosts were much improved and dominated, creating more chances.

The crucial second goal was scored after 75 minutes, defender Gavin Meakin driving home a powerful shot from a cross.

Brad Asquith then hit the third with a neat goal into the bottom corner. Man-of-the-match was outstanding young striker Lever, and he finished things off with his second goal of the game.

Bolton Woods were at Thackley FC and dominated from the start against Hull Sunday League team Drum.

Gary Birchall, Dave Nelson and Charlie Flaherty drove the team forward, resulting in a well-taken goal for Ryan Wood.

The hosts continued to put the pressure on going in to the break but could not add a second. They  continued to dominate proceedings at the start of the second half and, after some great approach work from Matt Addy, Andy Howland and Flaherty, Woods scored again.

Dave Nelson was red-carded for dissent, which unsettled the hosts, allowing the Humbersiders to grab one back through Chris Cawthorne.

Drum continued to put pressure on Woods until the end but the ten men of Woods did brilliantly to hold on for a well-deserved victory.