Skipton Bulldogs landed a plum home tie in Round Three of the West Riding County FA Challenge Cup when they were paired with holders Storthes Hall from Huddersfield.

Their opponents have won the competition for the past three years and been in the final for the last five, so there is no doubting the size of the challenge facing the Skipton side on December 2.

"It's another big test, but we have home advantage, we're playing well at the moment and we have some talented young lads who can rise to the occasion," says manager, David Critchlow: "It's a tough draw, but one that will bring out the best in the team."

Silsden, who also upset the odds to reach Round Three, have not been favoured by the draw. They now visit the winners of the postponed tie between Mixenden and Ossett Common Rovers.

However, the third Craven side still involved, Cross Hills, have the incentive of a home tie in Round Three against Mount FC or Team Odyssey if they can come through their postponed tie at Whitkirk Wanderers tomorrow.

Bulldogs earned their tilt at the top team when they pulled off one of their finest wins for many seasons when they beat Ripon City Magnets 2-1 at Mallorie Park last weekend.

"It was certainly our best win of the season, although I know we can play better still," says Critchlow: "We were certainly expecting a tough game, especially since Ripon had beaten one of our neighbours very convincingly in Round One and obviously play in a higher level of football each week.

"In a way, that worked for us because we were better prepared and keen to show what we could do. As manager, I had to give more thought to the style of play we needed to adopt and instead of our normal formation, we put five players across the middle to deny then space and possession. That plan worked out well.

"When we arrived the Ripon lads were out on the pitch and put in five laps to warm up, while the facilities were first-class. It all added up to a different scene to the one we are used to, but rather than being overawed by it, we lifted our game.

"Basically, we played the better football and had a great togetherness which helped us through. Even the decision to have a bus when we normally travel by car helped to set the scene - and was obviously very useful when we had something to celebrate afterwards.