Keighley Albion 18 Park Amateurs 26 - Albion's hopes of reaching the last 32 of the National Cup came to a halt as they let a half time eight point lead disappear.

Park were soon on the score sheet as Albion dithered in defence from a high kick that allowed Park winger Andrew Binns to nip in for a try.

From the restart Albion, playing down the slope, took the game back into the visitors 20 metre area and Ady Cooney beat the defence after some good handling by Craig Morphett and Bobby Brown. Dean Brookes kicked a difficult conversion to put Albion ahead.

Park's kicking game was causing problems in Albion's defence but the Keighley side held firm. Albion's attack was proving a handful and more good midfield play saw Rob Bailey burst the Park line to get his try out wide. Dean Brookes converted from the touch line .

In the first half both teams tried to get the ball wide and a mixture of good defensive work with Matt Horne and captain Craig Morphett to the fore saw Albion hold 12-4 lead.

Playing uphill in the second half Albion soon fell for a sucker try when they failed to pick up a loose ball. Park substitute Lea Roberts dived in for a try. They pressured Albion's line and were further rewarded as second rower Chris Wardle stormed in to level the scores.

Albion concentration had been dented and following a kick and chase Park's winger Kevin Dunne won the race to touch down in the corner again no goal but they had taken the lead at 12 to 16.

In their next attack Park again scored as Dean Roberts split Albion's defence with a well timed ball that saw Kevin Dunne score his second try of the game and give Park a 20-12 lead.

Albion worked hard to get back into the game with Rob Bailey, Rob Haughey and Craig Morphett all testing the Park line.Ian Spencer got his name on the score sheet. Goal kicking was difficult in the strong cross wind but Dean Brookes added the extras to put Albion within two points of Park at 18-20.

Not to be outdone Park hit back with Dave Roberts' astute kicking game pushing Albion back and Chris Wardle scored his second try by the posts. Danny Marshall kicked the final points of the game.

Albion's Craig Morphett had led by example and didn't deserve to be on the losing side, Rob Bailey's fifth try in five games meant very little after Albion failed to come to terms with Park's kicking game.

If the first half had been Albion's then the second was Park's as they punished the Keighley side's errors both in defence and some poor handling.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Albion entertain Waterhead from Oldham hoping to consolidate their position in the league. Kick off is at 2.30pm at Crossflatts.

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