Bradford Park Avenue 4 Keighley Oaks 3

KEIGHLEY lost a seven-goal thriller to their neighbours, who opened the scoring in controversial fashion following a scramble inside the penalty box, the referee deeming the ball had crossed the line.

Undeterred, Oaks equalised when a superb pass from striker Melissa Houldsworth set up left winger Leah Gilmore to launch the ball over the oncoming keeper into the top corner. The visitors took the lead on the half-hour, with striker Kirsty Delaney setting up Houldsworth to round the keeper, but a quality strike from Avenue made it 2-2 at half-time.

The hosts went ahead in the second half, the ball finding its way into the net via a deflection and a mishit clearance.

Oaks hit back again with another superb pass from Delaney to Houldsworth, who neatly tapped home her second to make it 3-3.

Keighley upped the ante as great runs down the right from Rachael Holdsworth caught Avenue out a couple of times, with Becky Granger, Houldsworth, Gilmore and Delaney going close.

But Bradford got the winner with eight minutes left when keeper Laura Thurling was unsighted from a free-kick, leaving a simple tap in.

Oaks threw everything at Avenue but were thwarted by some super saves.

Keighley's player of the match was defender Bethany Gaines.

Oaks' next game is on Sunday, November 16 at home to Leeds Ladies in the county cup second round(1pm).