Keith Dixon hailed Danny Barrett’s man-of-the-match performance after the hooker helped Keighley ARLFC reach the Yorkshire Cup semi-finals with a shock win at Drighlington.

Barrett set up Joe Copperwaite for the match-winning try in extra-time as the Utley-based side came from behind to beat the reigning Pennine League champions 22-16.

That set up another tough clash at Sharlston Rovers on December 1 but, having already beaten holders Hunslet Old Boys, Keighley will travel believing they can cause another surprise.

Barrett typified their confidence with an energetic display and Dixon was full of praise for him. The boss said: “I work with Danny and I get at him a lot but he was absolutely outstanding on Saturday.

“He made excellent yardage from acting half and showed lots of vision.

“He is a million times better player than he was when he first started a few years ago.”

Dixon (pictured) was, however, keen to stress that it was the team effort that was key to success.

He said: “When they scored two tries in the second half to lead 16-6, in the past our heads might have gone down. But that was far from the case and, to a man, they all stood up to be counted.”

Reaching the county semi-final is a landmark achievement for Dixon as coach.

He reached the last eight with Keighley Albion before they merged with Keighley Town to form his current club, which is now in its second year.