THORNTON United held their nerve to reach their first West Riding County Cup final after winning a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Leeds opponents Hope Inn Whites.

The sides were level at 1-1 after extra time but Thornton prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks at County FA headquarters in Woodlesford.

United keeper keeper Ryan Blythe tipped a header onto the crossbar and was in outstanding form for the Bradford Sunday Alliance League top-flight title hopefuls, despite playing 80 minutes with an injured shoulder.

After a goalless first half, Thornton led when Emmot Parr Gallagher put Toby Rawcliffe in the clear but he was brought down in the area.

Parr Gallagher hit home from the spot to edge the Bradford team in front but, with three minutes remaining, Hope Inn equalised to send the match to penalties, where Thornton emerged victorious thanks to James Smith's decisive kick.

The first of the domestic GOALS-sponsored cup finals took place at the AA Van Hire Stadium as the Amateur Cup final took centre stage between Division 2B rivals Salts and YMCC.

A tense match saw YMCC win 2-0 thanks to goals from Jamie Templeton and Conor Banks as they even survived having a man sent off.

Premier Division action included a 3-1 win for Buttershaw Celtic over pace-setters Thornton United after strikes from Jamie Brennan and a Lee Smith brace.

Third-placed White Eagles kept their championship hopes alive with a resounding 9-1 victory over Bradford Moor and now have a better goal average than West Bowling, who moved top with a 2-1 win over Ventus United.

A depleted Grass Greener United kept up their challenge for promotion from Division 1B with a 2-1 victory at George Hotel Reserves, with makeshift centre forward Duane Forrester and top scorer Rob Coulter on target.

In Division 2A, bottom side Turf slipped to a 3-1 home loss against Pudsey Athletic.

Jordan Rhodes equalised for the hosts after Mathew Hartley had fired the visitors in front midway through the first half but Hartley went on to complete his hat-trick.

George United returned to winning ways in Division 2B with a 3-0 victory over Victoria thanks to goals by Archie Patterson, Ashley Smith and Ryan Murgatroyd.

* The Bradford & District FA Sunday Senior Cup semi-final between White Eagles and Thornton United Reserves takes place at Thackley tomorrow at (7.30pm).