A NINE-GOAL thriller was the highlight of the York FA Saturday Junior Cup quarter-finals.

Leeper Hare York and District League division three outfit Sheriff Hutton prevailed 6-3 against plucky Huntington Rovers from Reserve 'A'.

Underdogs Huntington tore into a 3-0 lead after just 30 minutes. Leigh Jackson began the romp followed by Peter Laidlaw and then Neil Cadywold for an advantage that was to last for another half an hour.

But then came a stunning comeback by the Sheriff's men in which the Butler did it. Kevin Butler was the star man. Within the space of three minutes he bagged a hat-trick to level the tie. Soon after Butler hit his fourth to fire Hutton ahead and, suitably inspired, they went on to seal the win with goals from Matthew Hartas and Billy Allan.

Hosts Riccall too had to come from behind after Rawcliffe's Darren Brandon broke the deadlock after 20 minutes.

But Riccall equalised within three minutes through Darren Davis and never looked back as they sealed their semi-final slot with goals from Jason Roughley, Garry Roughley and Liam Brown. They also had to thank goalkeeper Chris Hickling for a brilliant save.

Elvington Harriers found it tough going against an experienced Dringhouses Reserves line-up, who won 6-1.

Dermott Reed and Mick Brown struck before half-time and after the interval the triumph was confirmed with goals from Wayne Carter, Mick Lock, John Lake and a 25-yard firecracker from Danny Cocker. Elvington's late consolation came from Tony Hovington.

The remaining quarter-final went to extra-time and penalties before Ouseburn Utd accounted for Stamford Bridge Reserves.

Ouseburn took the lead through Richard Carruthers before Bridge equalised through a Martin Smith free-kick. The hosts regained the lead in extra-time, Russell Robshaw on target, but Smith volleyed in a leveller.

Ouseburn 'keeper Andrew Kitching was the hero with a key stop for a 4-3 spot-kick win.

Updated: 11:05 Wednesday, February 02, 2005