Keighley FA Sunday Cup semi-final: Crossflatts Village 3 Keighley Athletic 1

A TIRELESS midfield display from the in-form Matthew Bentham was the catalyst in Crossflatts' win against local rivals Keighley Athletic in their semi-final last Sunday.

In blustery conditions, the home side started well and broke the deadlock for an interval lead on 40 minutes when striker Adam Rooney made no mistake after being played through by the impressive Bentham.

Athletic started the second half well and equalised from the penalty spot just before the hour mark after Ryan Stubbs was bundled over by Peter Atkinson. Stubbs dusted himself down and made no mistake with his spot-kick, which went in off the post after sending keeper Dom Bennett the wrong way.

The home side then regained the lead after 65 minutes thanks to a tap-in from striker Colin Schofield.

Village sealed their place in the final on 80 minutes when midfield workhorse Jake Rendell made a lung-busting run through the Athletic midfield and played the ball out wide to Schofield. He played a one-two with Rendell, who made no mistake from inside the box to make it 3-1 much to the delight of the home fans.

Bentham’s return to form and fitness has been instrumental in his side’s cup run, and he was awarded the man-of-the-match after an all-action display and for his role in the opening goal.

The 34-year-old had a slow start to the season but he has repaid manager Stevie George’s faith in him with a series of outstanding performances.

George was proud of his players after their battling display, saying: “It was a good team performance and I am looking forward to leading them out in the final in May. It will be a cracking day out for everyone in the village and hopefully we can come home with the trophy.”

Crossflatts, who won the Keighley FA Sunday Cup in the 2001/2002 season, will play Bradford Phoenix in the final at Silsden AFC on Sunday, May 8.

Phoenix shocked Keighley Town 3-0 in the other semi-final that was also played last Sunday.