Phoenix face West Yorkshire Premier League leaders and last years beaten finalist Carleton Athletic in the fourth round of the County Cup, after beating Aberford Albion 4-2.

Phoenix were dealt a blow before kick off when in-form Ben Furness was declared. The visitors started, determined to avenge last year's County Cup 5-1 hammering but they fluffed their only goal chance.

Phoenix were temporarily reduced to ten men when midfielder Joe Bryceland had to receive treatment after a clash of heads and Ben McCormack opened the with a penalty after Martin Ross was hacked down. Dale followed up a Mick Gillmartin cross that struck the.

Hoyle claimed his second of the game to make it 3-0, latching onto a Jimmy Spencer through ball to scoop the ball over the advancing Aberford keeper.

Phoenix should have put the game out of reach early in the second half but both Martin Ross and Mick Gillmartin were guilty of wasting easy chances. The Aberford centre forward finally got the better of man of the match Martin Crangle to blast a first time shot into the corner of the Phoenix goal.

Ross made up for his earlier error, robbing the Aberford goalkeeper before slotting home while still on the floor. Aberford then made it an interesting last ten minutes, pushing an extra man forward and scoring from an unchallenged strike on the edge of the box. There were a couple of late scares but nothing to stop Phoenix progressing into the next round.

Phoenix Reserves reached the fourth round of the County Challenge Cup with a 3-0 over Spen Valley Premier leaders Lord Nelson of Batley.

A physical Lord nelson side attempted to 9ntimidate the young Keighley outfit, but strong refereeing kept them in check. Phoenix played the best football with midfielders Houldsworth and Hird making most of the play.

Phoenix took the lead late in the first half when Bland released Hull on the left and his long cross found Labbett on the far post and he volleyed home from close range.

Manager Rob Harness stressed that his side must continue to play football and not get involved in a kicking game after the break.

Just after half time a second nelson player received his marching orders for foul play and substitute Smith capitalised after being fed the ball by Houldsworth, shooting over the advancing keeper from 35 yards.

Phoenix completed their scoring when the Nelson centre half managed to foul both Labbett and Goodwin in the area. Goodwin slotted home the penalty. Keighley's back four, Brett, B Harness, Towler and Atkinson deserve credit for keeping a clean sheet.

Steeton also made it through to the fourth round with a classy 4-1 victory over Eastmoor Reserves. They led 2-1 at the break with goals from J Longley and J Gill, but took command in the second half with strikes from Ian Craven and Alex Familio.