Keighley FA Supplementary Cup final: Oxenhope Reserves 5 Oxenhope Thirds 4

FOR the first time in Keighley football history two teams from the same club contested a final – and what a final it was.

Some might have thought this would be a one-sided affair but it was far from it as Oxenhope's Craven League third team gave their West Yorkshire Alliance club-mates an almighty scare.

On Silsden’s immaculate pitch, the Thirds drew first blood when Connor Madden turned his marker and fired in past Reserves keeper Nick Hudson.

They went 2-0 up when Liam Dyson played in Madden and he weaved past two defenders before firing in his second.

On 20 minutes the Reserves were relieved to pull one back when central defender Tony Cox inadvertently glanced the ball into his own net. The second team began to dominate as Will Lee forced a superb save from keeper Pete Gower.

On the half-hour mark a flighted free-kick from James Bailey was met with a firm header by Lewis Hopkinson for the equaliser. And minutes later the Reserves led 3-2 when Tom Thompson was brought down in the box and skipper Lee made no mistake with the resulting penalty.

Back came the Thirds as Madden fired agonisingly wide and Tony Cooper went close. At the other end a sweet passing movement saw Gaz Ritson's strike tipped round the post.

Within minutes of the restart the Thirds drew level. Nivard Trowers swung the ball over to Dyson, who fired past Hudson.

Back came the seconds as a Bailey corner was met with a stooping header by Ritson to make it 4-3.

A long ball fell to 17-year-old Thirds sub Sam Murphy but Hudson was smartly off his line to block his effort. However, the youngster was not to be denied as he forced home in a scramble from a corner.

The effort on the large pitch took its toll in extra time as players went down with cramp but the commitment was relentless as both teams went for the winner. The Thirds almost scored when Joel Gallagher powered a shot against the upright and Murphy’s follow-up was saved by Hudson.

With penalties beckoning, a free-kick was cleared to Hopkinson on the edge of the area, who struck a brilliant volley which flew into the net for a goal fitting to win a magnificent final.

Keighley & District FA chairman Chris Brown said it was the finest cup final he had seen in 30 years before presenting the trophy to Reserves skipper Lee.

Reserves: Hudson, Wellard (Davies), McCullough, Pullan, Ward, Hopkinson, Robinson, Lee, Thompson (Clewes), Bailey, Ritson.

Thirds: Gower, Manning, Hawker (Brown), Cox, Fazackerley, Scott, Trowers, Madden, Cooper (Murphy), Gallagher, Dyson (Klava).

* A late comeback ensured Oxenhope Reserves kept their Alliance Division One title hopes alive as they beat Robin Hood Reserves 2-1 away from home.

After falling behind midway through the second half, Rec equalised when James Bailey drilled home.

Then in the dying minutes, Bailey's cross was bravely headed home by player-manager Steve Davies to snatch a vital three points. This Saturday they have another crucial away game at Whitkirk (2.30pm).