IT WAS the final midweek of friendly fixtures for the area’s semi-professional clubs, and a busy one as seven of the clubs were involved in six games.

On Monday, Bradford Park Avenue hosted a Derby County XI as part of the launch of Kevin Hector’s celebration season.

It is 50 years ago that Hector broke Avenue’s scoring record for Football League goals in a campaign with 44, and the club are playing in a special kit this term to acknowledge the achievement.

Derby – the club Hector subsequently joined – sent a young side to play Martin Drury’s men and were 1-0 winners thanks to a wonder strike by Shaquille McDonald.

On the same night, Thackley hosted Barnoldswick Town and, after losing at Barlick’s North West Counties rivals Nelson just two days earlier, the Dennyboys ensured they redressed the balance by romping to a 3-0 win.

Chris Davey netted twice inside the first ten minutes and Craig Bentham scored the only goal of the second half.

On Tuesday, there was another NWC v NCE clash as Silsden hosted Eccleshill United, with the visitors winning 4-2.

The Eagles were 3-0 up by the break, with Andrew Cooper, Luke Harrop and Liam Bartle all on target, the first and third goals being spectacular long-range strikes.

Eagles boss Mark Greaves made eight changes at the interval but his side increased their lead when Jermaine Springer netted a bullet header, and they almost made it five when Adam Turner hit the bar.

The Cobbydalers were awarded two penalties in the last ten minutes, and Joe Mitchell tucked them both away.

Brighouse Town were also winners as they edged an entertaining encounter at AFC Emley 3-1.

Town’s Sam Hewitt netted the only goal of the first half after Isaac Baldwin's penalty had been saved.

Baldwin spotted the ball in the 18th minute after Leon Henry had been fouled but Adam Lawlor saved. Baldwin redeemed himself when he netted Town’s second five minutes into the second half.

Emley’s Danny Ryan pulled a goal back before Danny Facey scored with a shot from the edge of the area to underline Town’s advantage.

Liversedge put out a late appeal for opponents after original opposition CGB Humbertherm had to withdraw but former Sedge assistant manager Kim ‘Faz’ Ferrand came up trumps.

Ferrand brought his Brighouse Old Boys team to Clayborn and they won 2-1, Andrew Wood scoring for the home side.

Guiseley went down 1-0 at Ossett Albion.