FOR the first time this season, the Bradford Sunday Alliance League had blanket cancellations due to Bradford Council postponing all of the matches on their grass pitches.

Three matches did beat the ban and the weather, however – one in the Premier Division and two in Division 1A – and they produced 30 goals.

In the top flight, Thornton United kept the pressure on second-placed Oakenshaw with a 10-2 victory over struggling Ventus United.

There were hat-tricks from Marcus Davey and Danny Walker, Marcus Edwards bagging a brace and Dan Cunningham and Ryan Malcolm completing the tally.

Matthew Barok was on fire for Wrose Bull in Division 1A as they beat Clayton Village Sports & Social 9-1 at Dixons Allerton Academy.

However, the first half was even, with the visitors leading 2-1 after strikes by Barok and Declan Dunn.

Wrose Bull ran riot in the second half though, with Barok netting three more in 23 minutes, two of them coming from over 25 yards.

Barok also hit five in the previous week's 10-0 victory at Shoulder of Mutton, and his total for the season now stands at 23 from only ten starts.

Dunn, Lee Cookson, Jonathan Dearing and Adam Medley were also on the scoresheet in the second half against Clayton.

Heaton Athletic, who are pushing top two Station Hotel and Woodman Wanderers, were involved in an entertaining eight-goal thriller at Dixons Academy against mid-table Steel Bangle Spartans.

Central midfielder Peter Kug was outstanding for Athletic, who won 5-3, but Ryan Naylor put Spartans in front, only for the hosts to lead 2-1 by the interval.

The second half was end to end, with Naylor adding his second and Suniel Makh also getting on the scoresheet for the visitors.

Strikes from Andrew Cudgeon (2), Joe Lytwyn, Jonathan Northin and Kingsley Hall proved too much in the end for Spartans though.

In the First Division, things are tight at the top, with all three contenders having to play each other.

Lyceum are still in pole position, with Olympic and Swaine Green seven points behind, both having one match in hand.

Olympic and Lyceum have to meet at Seymour Street, while the match between Lyceum and Swaine Green that was called off earlier in the month will be played at Arkwright Street on Sunday, April 2.

* The Sunday Alliance League have invited some Craven, Aire & Wharfe Junior League under-18 teams to play friendlies against lower division teams to help junior players adapt to senior football.

The first two are next Sunday when Chapel House, of Division 2B, have Sandy Lane under-18s as visitors to Avenue Road.

Both matches kick-off at 11am.

On Sunday, March 12, AFC Titans have Sutton under-18s as visitors to Apperley Bridge, while Division 1B Toller entertain Nab Wood under-18s at Cottingley New Road.

Division 2A Throstle Nest are visited by Oxenhope under-18s on Sunday, March 19, when Nab Wood under-18s face East Bierley Village at East Bierley Playing Fields.

On Sunday, March 26, Prospect Reserves will entertain Sutton under-18s at Woodhall Lane, while Division 2B Wibsey host Salts under-18s.

Sunday Alliance clubs are reminded that they can only field registered players in these matches.