ROUTE One Rovers have had two Monday night cup games in a row, and this week’s went better than the last one.
Dumped out of the Macron Cup first round on the final day of September with a 3-1 home defeat to AFC Blackpool, Rovers were looking to avoid the same fate when they hosted Ashton Athletic earlier this week in the Edward Case Cup first round.
And the Bradford side cruised to a 3-0 win at Marley Stadium, exorcising some demons from seven days prior.
They took the lead just before the half-hour mark courtesy of big centre half Umer Farooq before doubling it on 63 minutes, when Mohamed Wassa added the finishing touch to a well-worked free kick.
Musa Jallow settled the issue once and for all, scoring Route One’s third goal, from the penalty spot, a minute from time.
Route One may be through in the Edward Case Cup, but fellow Marley men Steeton are out.
They travelled to Atherton LR on Tuesday night for their first round tie and despite taking an early lead through Macca Smith, they eventually slipped to a 4-1 defeat.
Albion Sports were in West Riding County Cup first round action at Knaresborough Town in midweek, and won a dramatic game 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Lewis Waddington put the Bradford side 1-0 up with a penalty midway through the first half, after the superb Yahya Tunkara was brought down, only for the home side to equalise 10 minutes after the break.
In a frantic finale, Knaresborough somehow survived a goalmouth scramble, before going up the other end and having a last-gasp winner ruled out for offside.
Albion scored all four of their penalties but veteran goalkeeper Mark Bower was the real hero, his saves sending the visitors through.
In the Northern Premier League East Division, mid-table Liversedge lost 2-0 at Belper Town, the goals coming from former Bradford (Park Avenue) duo Luke Rawson and Kelan Swales.
Finally, looking ahead to this weekend, Guiseley and Farsley Celtic are both in FA Cup fourth qualifying round action on Saturday.
The former travel to Kidderminster Harriers for their tie, meaning they have allowed the Celts to use Nethermoor for their clash against Kettering Town.
Ongoing stadium work means Farsley’s Citadel home remains unusable, so Guiseley have helped them out this weekend.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here