Bradford side Route One on brink of sensational cup triumph after derby drama

ROUTE One Rovers are on the brink of sensationally winning the West Riding County Cup, just a couple of years after leaving amateur football for the semi-professional ranks. The Bradford side played their long-awaited semi-final derby against Campion last night, and claimed a surprise 2-1 victory. Campion play at a level higher than Rovers in the non-league pyramid and they have pedigree in this competition, having surprisingly won it themselves two years ago.

But Route One were the better side in last night’s clash at Scotchman Road, with their away win setting up a final against Golcar United. Neither side could find the breakthrough in a tight first half, but Danyal Yasin gave Rovers the lead after 56 minutes. Campion equalised when Michael O’Brien headed home Nicky Boshell’s free kick, but the visitors went back ahead through Anees Younis with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.



Michael O'Brien (arms oustretched) got Campion back level last night, but it was Route One who had the last word. (Image: Tom Crabb) And Rovers’ hard work right up until the full-time whistle paid off, as they were able to celebrate a famous victory. Like Campion, Northern Counties East League Premier Division champions Silsden suffered semi-final heartache in midweek.

They were going for a double heading into Tuesday night’s NCEL League Cup semi-final at Beverley Town on Tuesday night. The Cobbydalers started brightly, Tom Greaves having an effort ruled out for offside and Robbie Fox going close on a couple of occasions. But the hosts began to take control after that bright start for the visitors and they went into the break with a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Edward Birch and Cameron Connelly.

The away side looked much more like themselves after the interval, with Tom Greaves halving the deficit quickly. Silsden appealed vociferously after Fox appeared to be brought down in the box moments later, while the former Albion Sports man smashed an effort into the side-netting shortly afterwards. But he volleyed home a late equaliser, before Casey Stewart came within inches of finding the far corner and putting the Cobbydalers in front.

Instead, it was Connelly who popped up with a stoppage time winner for Beverley to break Silsden hearts..