LOTHERSDALE ATHLETIC clinched the Division One title with a 3-2 victory over third placed Embsay Reserves.

Dale knew they needed just one point to secure the title and launched an early attack, but Embsay were not going to lie down. Play switched from end to end, but chances were missed at both ends.

Lothersdale got the all-important opener when John Lawrence blasted a shot past the advancing keeper. Their grip on the title tightened when Liam Jeffreys was brought down in the penalty area just before half time, Curtis Hall made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Embsay hit back from the re-start and hit the cross bar before reducing the arrears. Dale defended with desperation and with the clock ticking down looked to make the game safe with a third goal as Liam Jeffreys headed home James Hickman's cross.

A second goal for Embsay threw the game wide open again, but Dale hung on to secure victory and make certain of the title. They now look forward to Premier Division football next season along with Bradley who secured runners-up spot.

Oxenhope Recreation were made to fight for Premier Division points by a lively Cross Hills side.

Oxenhope played some delightful football and leading scorer Steve Murray opened their account. Ben White added a second and Shaun Bonner looked to have made the game safe with his side's third goal. Cross Hills had other ideas and scored two great goals to throw the game wide open, but Oxenhope managed to hold out for a victory which takes them three points closer to the title.

Victory over Embsay tomorrow (Saturday) will be enough to secure the championship.

Keighley Lifts saw their title hopes take a second knock following their goalless draw in midweek against Bronte Wanderers. ON Saturday they were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom of the table Carleton.

Lifts created plenty of chances but could not hit the net until Rick Harwood had a header cleared off the line only for Steve Duff to tap in from close range.

Lifts failed to kill the game off in the second half due to a combination of poor finishing and good goal keeping from the Carleton keeper. On a rare excursion into the Lifts half equalised to take a share of the points. Lifts now need to take maximum points from their remaining games, and rely on Oxenhope losing theirs, if they are to take the title.

Cowling are making a brave bid to escape relegation from Division One and beat Colne Shepherds thanks to goal from Ben Thurston and James Complin. More committed performances like this could see them escape the drop.

Keighley Lifts secured a 1-0 victory over McBrides in a good match which was played at a fast pace throughout despite a bumpy pitch. Neither side could score in the first half and the game continued to be evenly balanced until Ryan Sollitt scored to give Lifts maximum points.

In Bronte Wanderers reached of the Devonshire Carpets Premier Division Cup with a 2-1 victory over Grassington Unedited.

Bronte made the better start, taking the game to the visitors, but were not able to deliver the final telling ball. Grassington came more into the game but never really threatened the Bronte goal.

Early in the second half James Walker hammered home a great shot to give Bronte the lead, but late in the game Grassington drew level. Extra time was looming until David Alderson got an injury-time header to put Bronte through to the final when they will meet Skipton LMS.