Elland pair in Shay showdown

Holders Huddersfield Amateur will meet their former league rivals Ealandians at the Shay on May 2 after last-four wins yesterday.

Amateurs beat Halifax AFL leaders Ryburn United 2-0 at Old Earth.

The West Yorkshire League side took the lead after 15 minutes when the outstanding Tom Bedford found himself in acres of space and powered a fine header into the net directly from a Lee Thrush corner.

Ryburn were guilty of giving the ball away and rarely threatened a resolute home defence.

When Mike Hall doubled the lead on 50 minutes there was no way back for the visitors.

Ealandians, who play in the Yorkshire Amateur League, swept aside Halifax AFL Division Two outfit St Columba’s 6-0.

It proved a bridge too far for Saints, who have claimed some fine cup scalps and gained promotion this season.

They won praise from Ealandians for their battling efforts yesterday but found their hosts too strong and well organised.