AFTER Josh Sheldrake was sent off with seven minutes remaining, Drighlington thought they were going to pay the penalty for being short-handed at home to Huddersfield YMCA Reserves in their West Riding County FA Challenge Trophy third-round match.

Leading 2-0 at the time after goals by Shane Sowden and Joe Hirst, Drig were pegged back to 2-2 by the end after goals from Adam Heath and Johnny Briggs.

But the hosts recovered their composure to win the shoot-out 4-2 and book a tie at home to Alwoodley Reserves on Saturday, January 2.

There was no Drig double though as the reserves, who play in Division Five, could not bridge a three-division gap in going down 5-3 after extra-time at Morley Town AFC Reserves in the Yorkshire Amateur League's Hancock Cup.

Drighlington, whose goals came from Anthony Thompson (2) and Trevor Thorpe, did lead twice before succumbing to Martin Ross (4) and Ash Slater as Morley's second string reached the quarter-finals.

St Bede's, who are fifth in Division One, may yet gain promotion as they have games in hand on the teams above them – but they have much to do.

They did their cause no harm, though, with a 6-1 home victory over ten-man third-bottom Wheelwright Old Boys, with Jordan Northin, Jamal Nash and Nathan Bailey all bagging braces.

Second-placed Calverley United and Grangefield Old Boys' Reserves are two of the teams that St Bede's are hoping to overtake.

But United disappointed again – losing 4-3 at Colton Athletic, who not only doubled their points tally for the season but also notched their first win.

Calverley, whose defensive cupboard is bare, led 2-1 at the interval but Rob Nicholson (2) and Mark Waterhouse's goals were ultimately not enough.

Grangefield now have ten points from seven games after a 5-1 home victory over Rothwell, who were drawing 1-1 at the interval.

Despite having an injury list that is far too long for comfort, the hosts dominated the second half, their marksmen being Tyler Gill (2), Jack Hill, Andy Dougan and Sam Russell.

Runaway leaders Farsley Celtic Juniors Reserves had to be content with a 1-1 draw in Division Two at third-placed Churwell Lions, who extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Trailing to a Michael Carroll goal at half-time, Celtic lost their 100 per cent record but kept their unbeaten tag thanks to a Steve Wells goal on the hour.

Farsley are seven points clear of second-placed Gildersome, who have two games in hand, while Churwell are eight behind Farsley, having played the same number of matches.

St Bede's Reserves are third in Division Six after a 3-0 win at ninth-placed Old Centralians Reserves, with their marksmen being Steve Thwaites, Zak Davey and Scott Best.