WEST Bowling retained their grip on the Bradford & District FA Sunday Senior Cup as they beat Thornton United 3-1 in the final.

Thornton had won both Bradford Sunday Alliance League matches between the sides on their way to being crowned Premier Division champions but Bowling gained revenge thanks to two Glyn Hirst goals.

The match could never be described as a classic but it nevertheless remained interesting for the large gathering of spectators at Eccleshill United's ground.

The defending champions enjoyed a dream start when Hirst scored from close range with his side's first real threat.

Bowling were on top for the first 25 minutes but, as the match progressed, Thornton came more into it and went close on several occasions before drawing level after 37 minutes.

A speculative shot by Josh Milner deceived normally-reliable Bowling keeper Ashley Onitiri and he allowed the weak effort to squirm between his legs.

Bowling came out pumped up for the second half and again made a flying start, this time netting from the penalty spot courtesy of Jordon Hagyard after a foul in the area.

Onitiri atoned for his earlier mistake by cutting out a dangerous low cross from Milner as Thornton looked to equalise for a second time.

And with United pushing men forward, Bowling took advantage to kill off the contest as Hirst ran through to beat keeper Tom Metcalfe with 15 minutes to go.