Bishopthorpe return to dream-world tomorrow when they go for more glory in the North Riding County FA Senior Cup.

As reported in the Evening Press, the York and District Leeper Hare side entered the competition by accident having planned to compete for the less prestigious county Junior Cup.

But rather than succumb to supposedly stronger sides, the Bishops have blasted their way to the semi-finals, where they now entertain 1999 finalists Edgehill at their Ferry Lane ground (kick off 1.30pm).

Although reigning Scarborough and District League champions Edgehill have regularly reached this stage, the tie holds no fears for the Bishops, conquerors of Wearsiders Stokesley and Teesside League duo Whitby Town Reserves and Thornaby.

"We'll be the underdogs again but we've been the underdogs throughout the competition," said Bishops' manager Jeff Morrow.

"Edgehill are obviously a good side, but so were Stokesley. We've got home advantage, the pitch could be a leveller and they might just be panicking in case they get beat. I think we've got a good chance.

"We did not expect to get anywhere near this far but we will be very disappointed to get knocked out at this stage."

The Leeper Hare League premier division outfit are expecting one of their biggest crowds in years for the clash. "It's the biggest game we've had for ages. There are posters all over the village and I think Edgehill will be bringing quite a few supporters as well," added Morrow.

Bishops' striker Joe Gardham is still suspended after receiving a red card and 12-week ban for an alleged head-butt in the first round victory over Whitby Reserves, but Morrow is hopeful of getting fellow forward Kieren O'Brien back for the tie.

O'Brien played for Bishops in the earlier rounds but has since joined UniBond League outfit Bradford Park Avenue, who might be persuaded to loan him back for the game.

York rivals Nestl Rowntree, managed by Jim Collis, play Kirkbymoorside in the other semi, and Morrow added: "We would love to face Jim's men in the final. He's a friend of mine and I think that would be a great final."

Collis's side are twice former winners of the competition and were semi-finalists last year, while the 'Moorsiders are one of Edgehill's main rivals in the Scarborough and District League.

Collis said: "We played them in the quarter-finals last year and won 2-1. It was a good game and I'm expecting another tough one.

"I was a little surprised at how high the standards are in the Scarborough League and we can't take this game lightly. We've got to be on our toes and show a lot of commitment.

Although long-term absentee Neil Durkin is still out - he goes for a hernia operation next week - Collis should have a strong squad to pick from. "It would be great if we got to play Bishopthorpe in the final," he added. The tie also kicks off at 1.30pm.

Both semi-finals will go to extra-time and penalties on the day if necessary.

Updated: 13:23 Friday, February 16, 2001