BEN Atkinson netted twice but it was not enough as holders Farsley Celtic bowed out of the West Riding County Cup at the second round stage on Tuesday, losing 4-2 on penalties at Knaresborough Town after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Knaresborough were 2-0 up inside 11 minutes but Atkinson quickly responded to halve the deficit. The hosts scored a third just before the break to leave the Celts on the ropes.

With 20 minutes left, Nathan Cartman pulled one back, before Atkinson levelled soon after to force a shootout.

Farsley's Chris Atkinson and Jimmy Spencer were the fall guys though, with both missing from 12 yards to ensure it was Knaresborough who progressed into the quarter-finals.

The Celts will hope to bounce back with an FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round win over Carlton Town this weekend.

Thackley were also in action on Tuesday, and they ground out a 0-0 home draw with Maltby Main in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division to edge two points clear of the drop zone.

Player/manager Pat McGuire insists he has no concerns, as his side have three or four games in hand on many of the teams above them. They are back in action at Dennyfield on Saturday to face mid-table Bottesford Town.

Eccleshill United have made the best start of the four Bradford district clubs in the NCEL Premier Division, and they should win again this weekend at rock-bottom Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Campion found it difficult against lowly Harworth Colliery last weekend in their 2-2 draw, and they will hope to put things right when they host Harworth's fellow strugglers Skegness Town on Saturday.

Silsden and Steeton were both dumped out of the Macron Cup at the first round stage three weeks ago, with those defeats ensuring both sides will be in league action this weekend.

The Cobbydalers host Irlam in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division, having suffered patchy form of late, but they still sit sixth with promotion on the cards.

Finally, the Chevrons welcome St Helens Town in the First Division North, with Roy Mason's men looking for their first win since the reverse fixture on September 29.