THERE was a restricted programme of fixtures in the Bradford Sunday Alliance League due to the consistent bad weather.

But Thornton United took full advantage of having the luxury of an all-weather pitch as they saw off Sandy Lane 8-6 in a thrilling clash.

The visitors took an early lead but United quickly moved in front with three goals in ten minutes, two of which were from corners.

A first-half hat-trick from Dan Cunningham saw the home team go into the break 5-2 up.

On the restart, United hit two early goals and Chris Lever completed his hat-trick, while new signing Liam Charles was also on target.

In the latter stages of the match, Sandy Lane hit four goals but a late strike from Dave Wilson secured the points for the Premier Division leaders.

Andy Benjamin was also in the thick of things with three assists on the day.

Buttershaw Celtic remain in second position after a fine 8-1 victory over rock-bottom Ventus United.

The hosts were four goals up in the first ten minutes, while Jamie Brennan was man of the match after scoring a hat-trick in the second half.

Leading scorer Lee Smith added a brace to make it 33 goals for the season.

In Division 1B, Grass Greener United remain in third position after they won the battle of the Greens with an 8-4 extravaganza against Fairweather Green.

James Cuff scored a hat-trick ten minutes either side of the interval, while Andy Howland added a brace.

Both teams complemented the display of referee Steve Mottram, who officiated well in very difficult circumstances.

Division 1A action saw Clayton Village claim a 4-3 home win over Wrose Bull.

Westwood Park have reached the quarter-finals of the West Riding County FA Sunday Trophy thanks to a magnificent victory over Hambleton in a five-goal thriller.

They now advance to face renowned cup fighters Wellington Westgate of Wakefield in the quarter-finals next weekend.