HOOK Norton fought off a strong challenge from Freeland to reach the Oxfordshire Senior Cup quarter-finals with a hardearned 2-1 away victory.

The Hellenic League Division 1 West leaders’ reward is a lasteight tie at home to Banbury United on February 18.

The visitors led 2-0 through Reece Bayliss and a Steven Howkins penalty.

However, the hosts, who play a division below in the Oxfordshire Senior League, threatened a late comeback when Tom McCudden pulled one back.

This was a potential banana skin for Hooky, with Freeland having already knocked out two Hellenic League sides in Woodstock Town and Headington Amateurs.

After Peter Moulder and Howkins missed early opportunities, Bayliss put Hook Norton ahead, beating Freeland keeper Adam Lonsdale with a chip from outside the box.

On a muddy pitch, the hosts extended their lead, with Howkins scoring from the spot after he had been fouled.

Freeland grew more confident in the second half and pulled a goal back through McCudden from close range.

There were chances for both sides but Hooky hung on.

KEA won through to the quarter-finals of the Oxfordshire John Fathers Junior Shield with a 3-2 win over Hollybush.

Mark Threlfall and Bradley Bryant scored for the losers.