THE race for runners-up spot in the Premier Division looks like going to the last match of the season with the three horse race going all the way.

Grindleton are currently in second place, but have to play Keighley Lifts tomorrow (Saturday) while Skipton LMS are also in the frame and have to play Skipton Bulldogs who have already been relegated. Lifts and Bulldogs will then meet -- in what could be the decider.

Grindleton moved into second place after beating Bulldogs 6-1 which condemned the Skipton side to the drop. The goals came from Shaun Lloyd(2), Scott Fielding, James Driver, Stuart Hickling and Martin Dobson.

Lifts slipped when they were beaten 4-2 by Skipton LMS despite taking an early 2-0 lead. The Skipton side had equalised by half time with goals from Stephen Carling and Paul Ryder, and they took complete command after the break with Matthew Reedy and Darren Phillip scoring two each to give LMS the points.

With Bulldogs already relegated Carleton and Intake are left to decide who will take the second place in the 'drop zone'. Carleton need to win their last game against Keighley Lifts if they are to send intake down. They were thrown a lifeline when they beat a weakened Grassington United side 7-0.

Keighley Lifts beat Carleton 5-3 in the week, leaving Lifts still on course of runners-up sport. Carleton started at great pace and were soon 2-0 up but Lifts replied with goals from Stephen Duff but Carleton regained the lead before half time.

The second half was end to end as Lifts began to get into the game and Joynal Ali made it all square before giving his side the lead. Carleton battled bravely by could not hold Lifts who added a fifth through Daniel Moriarty.

Lifts reserves played Skipton Bulldogs in a goalless but exciting match with defences well on top.

Skipton LMS and Grindleton will also contest the Northern Plant Hire Challenge Trophy Final after the Skipton side reached their third final of the season with an extra-time winner over Gargrave. Despite the two division gap Gargrave put up a stern performance and were only 1-0 down at the break. They scored an equaliser from the penalty spot, with Mark Webb hammering home the spot kick, and then had chances to win the game, but a great shot from Liam Jameson crept just the wrong side of the post.

Extra time saw LMS score an early goal through John Allan and although Gargrave worked hard they could not break down the LMS defence. The Premier Division side finally made certain of victory with goals from Robert Kaminski and Iain Tyrer.

Grindleton reached their first Plant Hire final with a 3-0 victory over Grassington United. The Ribble Valley club played up the slope and were soon putting Grassington under pressure.

Scott Fielding scored after United failed to clear a corner and a long range shot from Martin Cowie made it 2-0. The third was a fluke, when a long clearance from the Grindleton keeper bounced into the Grassington penalty area and a mix-up among the defenders allowed the ball into the net.

The second half saw the home side lay siege to the Grindleton goal but they could not force a way through. Grindleton and Skipton LMS meet at Gargrave on May 9.