Campion AFC booked their place in the Semi-Final of the JCP Construction NCEL League Cup for the second time in three seasons after a thrilling 4–3 victory over a spirited Horbury Town on Tuesday night.

The hosts began the contest on the front foot, with the attacking trio of former Red & Black Joe Jagger, Ryan Makings and Sam Kyeremeh immediately testing the Campion back line. Despite Horbury’s early pressure, it was the visitors who struck first to take the lead.

In the 21st minute, Jack Normanton collected the ball on the left flank, cut inside and delivered a superb cross into the danger area, where Paddy Sykes rose highest to nod home his 20th goal of the season and give Campion the advantage.

That goal allowed Campion to settle into the contest, and just six minutes later they doubled their lead from a corner. Ewan Gregson’s delivery caused chaos in the Horbury box, bouncing off a number of bodies before eventually trickling past Paul Hagreen. Debate continues over whether Corey Billy or Normanton applied the decisive touch, but Campion would not be concerned as they moved 2–0 ahead.

Horbury responded positively and were handed a lifeline in the 37th minute when the ball fell kindly to Joe Jagger just six yards out, the forward calmly placing his effort beyond Luke Wilson to reduce the deficit. The home side continued to create chances before the interval but were unable to capitalise.

Campion made them pay in first-half stoppage time. Another corner caused problems for the Horbury defence, with Max Dickinson’s header falling to Paddy Sykes, who thundered home a half-volley to restore the visitors’ two-goal cushion and send Campion into the break with a 3–1 lead.

Horbury emerged strongly after the restart, their pace and intensity once again asking questions of the Campion defence. In a bold move, the hosts made four substitutions on 53 minutes in an attempt to swing the tie back in their favour.

The pressure eventually told in the 70th minute when substitute Jack Roberts found space in behind Jamie Allsop and Ben Bodle before firing past the onrushing Wilson to make it 3–2 and set up a tense final 20 minutes.

However, Campion responded in the best possible manner. Skipper Aidan Day showed great determination to keep the ball in play on the byline before picking out Max Dickinson, who calmly fired home from 12 yards for his sixth goal of the season — another impressive contribution from the talented former Guiseley youth product.

Horbury refused to lie down and continued to show tremendous resilience and spirit throughout the ninety minutes. Their persistence was rewarded in the 90th minute when a cross from the right was met by Sam Kyeremeh, who headed home to set up a nervy period of injury time.

Despite the late pressure, Campion showed composure and maturity to see out the remaining minutes and secure a memorable 4–3 victory, booking their place in the Semi-Final of the competition.

A hard-fought cup tie full of quality, drama and credit to both sides — but it was Campion who ultimately emerged victorious on the night.