Bradford Park Avenue 0, Guiseley 1

Guiseley retained the West Riding County Cup thanks to an injury-time winner against neighbours Bradford Park Avenue in a closely-fought contest at Valley Parade last night.

The final went the full distance before Avenue old boy Simon Baldry broke the deadlock and the hearts of his former club with a last-gasp strike.

The goalless first half had been a lively affair. Avenue’s Billy Law had a shot blocked in the first minute but the Lions were soon on the attack and Chris Senior’s cross was well gathered by Bradford keeper John Lamb.

Lamb’s opposite number Jacob Giles was soon in action when he tipped a Tom Greaves header over his crossbar.

Andy Holdsworth and James Walshaw also went close before Giles saved a Jordan Deacey shot after a good move from Avenue.

That was midway through the first half and there was little time for anyone to catch their breath before the sides continued trading blows.

Avenue skipper Rob O’Brien shot over the target but minutes later Walshaw was firing an effort just over Lamb’s bar.

Guiseley came closest to opening the scoring when Walshaw’s header from a Ciran Toner cross hit the post in the 39th minute.

Two minutes later Giles made another save to deny Law but just before the break Senior charged down a Lamb clearance and the keeper had to scurry to clear as the ball rebounded towards goal.

The second half was no less fiercely contested but it was not quite as frantic in terms of chances.

Lamb parried a Dave Merris drive and smothered the loose ball before Senior was able to pounce on it.

There were a couple of efforts for both sides but solid defences meant corners were conceded rather than goals.

Then just as it seemed destined for extra time, Michael Burns crossed and Baldry headed in to win it for Guiseley.

Elsewhere, THACKLEY reached the final of the Baris Northern Counties East League Cup with a 3-1 win at Barton Town Old Boys.

The Dennyboys took a grip with goals from Liam Moore and Chris Davy in the opening quarter.

Town pulled one back through Gareth Barlow early in the second half but Davy wrapped it up seven minutes from time when he fired in the loose ball after his own penalty had been parried.

SILSDEN picked up three North West Counties League points with a 1-0 Premier Division win at AFC Liverpool, Joe Gaughan netting the goal two minutes before the break.