BRADFORD Park Avenue and FC Halifax Town will this evening be hoping to see an end to the long-running saga that is their West Riding County Cup quarter-final.

The near neighbours were paired together with the tie originally set for the first week in December.

National League outfit Halifax were picked out as being the home side, but the pitch at the Shay was not in great condition and they asked Bradford to switch the tie, which was agreed.

Avenue, who play their football a division below the Shaymen, were involved in an FA Trophy tie with Buxton at the time and, after an abandonment at the Silverlands and a subsequent postponement, the County Cup tie kept being put back.

The Shaymen attempted to get the tie played but were thwarted and the clubs have decided to go for a neutral venue tonight.

Both clubs will make the short journey into Huddersfield to play at Shelley FC’s home ground, which is situated in Storthes Hall Park, Huddersfield University’s student accommodation area.

Bradford reached the last eight of the competition with a 7-0 hammering of Albion Sports with Richard Marshall and Chib Chilaka both bagging a brace. The Shaymen eased past Farsley Celtic, winning 2-0 with goals from Josh MacDonald and Danny Hattersley.

Halifax will be in buoyant mood as they are unbeaten under new manager Jim Harvey, and they go into the tie after lifting themselves out of the National League relegation zone with Saturday’s 1-0 win at Macclesfield Town.

That may mean Harvey rests some of his regulars so that he can have a good look at some of the players he hasn’t had a chance to see.

Bradford boss Martin Drury would probably have done the same, but following Saturday’s home postponement against Nuneaton Town he may elect to make few changes in order to keep his first choice players fully match fit with Saturday’s Trophy tie against Nantwich Town looming.

Elsewhere tonight, Silsden are looking to host AFC Blackpool in the North West Counties Men United League Cup third round which has been another saga. It will be the fifth attempt to stage the tie.

NWC League rules state that if a club has two failed attempts to stage the tie they concede home advantage. Silsden have got home advantage back after both clubs were frustrated by two postponements.

Eccleshill United are also hoping for a home game as they are scheduled to host Penistone Church in the Northern Counties East Division One.

Last night saw Thackley and Albion Sports thwarted by waterlogged pitches.

The Dennyboys were due to host Pontefract Collieries in the NCE Premier Division while top tier rivals Albion were denied a third round NCE League Cup tie at Division One outfit Teversal.