THORNTON United have emerged as potential Bradford Sunday Alliance League champions, and last week's victory over West Bowling in the GOALS Senior Cup was a further reminder that they are Premier Division big boy.

Sunday will also be a big test of their credentials when they entertain Alder – one of Merseyside's top Sabbath sides – in the FA Sunday Cup at Manningham Mills (1pm).

The Merseysiders have had some commendable runs in the national event, not least in 2012 when they reached the quarter-finals, beating the defending champions on the way and only going out in a seven-goal thriller to eventual winners Oyster Martyrs. Alder have been in existence for over 60 years but it was not until 2002 that the club started to play Sunday football and entered the Liverpool Business League and won consecutive promotions to the First Division.

But it was when they amalgamated with Penny Lane Builders in 2004 that things took off, and the club won promotion to the Premier Division, only losing one match all season.

Aldder have remained in the top flight ever since and have established themselves as one of the top clubs in a very competitive league.

West Bowling have a trip to the Midlands to play Birstall Stamford, from Leicester and Rutland FA, and the club have hired a coach, which leaves the Bridge Tavern at West Bowling at 9am. Contact the club if you wish to travel on it.

It is also Bradford & District FA Cup day and, in the Senior Cup third round, Bolton Woods have a home tie against Upper George Wibsey at King Geoge V Playing Fields.

Buttershaw Celtic, of the Premier Division, entertain Division One outfit Oakenshaw at Wibsey Park, while White Eagles have undefeated Undercliffe Cricket Club as visitors