WITH two victories over Castle Combe already to their name this season Bradford United made it a hat-trick thanks to a 2-1 success in their quarter-final tie in the CDP Supply-sponsored Centenary Remembrance Cup.

Bradford’s reward for their triumph over Combe sees them host Semington Magpies next weekend for a place in the final.

With both teams nowhere near full strength, it was always going to be of a case of which side wanted it most and it was Bradford who made the best start.

After a period of early pressure they were rewarded with the opening goal on 10 minutes, Ryan Mortimer’s cross was headed onto the post by Phil Little and Dan Jones was on hand to sweep the rebound home to give Bradford their lead.

Bradford then had chances to put the game to bed in the first half, Phil Little should have done better when he headed a Richie Bliha corner wide of the target and right on half time another Bliha corner produced a wonderful chance for Nick Gerrish to double his team's lead.

But again, with the goal in his sights, he fluffed his lines and Bradford had to settle for their 1-0 advantage rather than the three they could have had.

Five minutes into the second half it was 2-0 to the hosts, Scot Mitchell playing the ball to Dan Jones who bagged his and Bradford’s second of the afternoon.

Castle Combe then came more and more into the game and tested Bradford’s evergreen keeper Neil Sims who was deputising for Will Eammer who had to play at full back due to Bradford’s shortage of players.

With Bradford starting to wilt in the April sunshine Combe managed to reduce the arrears, but luckily for the hosts Matt Holdaway’s 35-yard dipping effort came too late to save the visitors from a cup exit.