OXENHOPE, beaten 3-2 by Settle United in the quarter-finals, are within 90 minutes of winning the West Riding County FA Challenge Cup.

Recreation, who face fellow West Yorkshire League Premier Division side Leeds City in the final on Friday, April 24 (7.30) at county HQ, were reinstated after United were expelled for fielding an ineligible player.

"We have had to make the most of our reprieve but it was a godsend," said Oxenhope's first-team manager Sam Duffin, "as we didn't find the level that we normally do at Settle."

Oxenhope then defeated West Riding County Amateur League side Salts 2-0 last Thursday in the semi-final, which was also played at the final venue of Fleet Lane, Woodlesford.

Scott Nelson and Michael Garnett scored in the first half, with Duffin adding: "We had them watched, so we knew how they were going to play.

"Our keeper didn't have a save to make until the 90th minute, whereas their keeper had to make four or five saves to keep them in it as we got our passing game going."

While Oxenhope are eighth in the top flight and Leeds City fourth, 15 points ahead having played a game more, Duffin does not see City as favourites.

He said: "I wouldn't mind us going into the tie as underdogs as the lads might prefer it but we drew 3-3 with them at our place in August when they dominated the first half and we dominated the second half."

The clubs will also meet in the Premier Division's final fixture of the season at Adel WMA on Wednesday, May 20.