Football League

Embsay go third

There was an improvement in the weather and the state of pitches for the Craven Football League on Saturday although many are still heavy and now showing signs of wear so early in the season.

With a number of clubs involved in the second rounds of West Riding County FA cup competitions the Skipton Building Society Premier Division was restricted to just three matches. Reigning champions Embsay had a good 4-0 victory over Cononley to move into third place and Cross Hills, who move into second place, also won 4-0 at Cowling, who are now bottom. Keighley had a 3-1 home victory over Rimington to move into fourth place.

The three aforementioned winners along with Silsden all now have seven points with Silsden heading the pile with a superior goal difference not having conceded a goal in the league so far this season.

In Division One Intake did not play. Grassington in second place drew 4-4 away to Skipton LMS while third-placed Grindleton were held at home to a 2-2 draw by Oxenhope. Bradley made it three wins out of three by defeating Gargrave 5-1.

Division Two leaders Barnoldswick United had a 4-2 home victory over Cowling to stay clear of Bronte Wanderers who had a resounding 7-2 victory over hitherto unbeaten Skipton Bulldogs. Bronte a point behind Barnoldswick have four matches in hand.

Silsden move into third place following a narrow 1-0 victory over Horton and Keighley continued their improvement with a 4-0 victory over Embsay to begin to climb out of the relegation zone.

Division Three is really cut and thrust. Lothersdale have taken over at the top on goal difference, defeating previous leaders Grassington, who go second, 3-2 and third-placed Hellifield lost for the second week running, going down to Grindleton 3-2 but stay third.

Waddington having found their feet in the league are making progress and had a a 5-1 home victory over Colne Cricket Club to move up the table. Earby collected their first victory of the season with a 2-0 victory over Bradley, Ilkley Juniors Youth drew 0-0 with Settle and Carleton beat Skipton Town 5-1.

In their Northern Plant Hire Challenge Trophy Second Round match Barrowford beat Hellifield 3-2.

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