Sutton snatch league and cup double

Sutton were always going to be too big and strong for the young Grassington side who could not cope with the more robust tactics of the League champions. That four Sutton players were booked gives some idea of their hard approach to the match. Sutton attacked from the start but Grassington's defence held firm and they occasionally broke out of defence. The opening goal came after 20 minutes when in a defensive mix up Daniel Newton poked the ball home from close range. A second goal came minutes later, again following a mistake by the Grassington defence Stephen Hargreaves finished off a good move. Grassington came more into the match, forcing several corners and a good save from the Sutton keeper but the elusive goal would not come. The match was virtually sealed just before half-time when Sutton was awarded a free kick outside the penalty area when everyone on the ground felt it should have gone Grassington's way. The kick was converted by Newton and the game was virtually over. The second half saw Grassington defending and restricting Sutton to two further goals Gary Hanson adding a fourth and Daniel Newton completing his hat trick. Grassington tried hard but it was not their night and at least they battled to the end and cannot be ashamed of their performance. The Cup and individual trophies were presented by Mr Dennis Mayman of Skipton Town.

The battle for the Premiership title goes on with both Embsay and Skipton Bulldogs neck and neck, with Keighley waiting in the wings for an almighty slip by the leaders. A victory midweek over Cononley Sports by 2-1 kept Keighley on course for third place, Philip Booth and Steve Kernan scoring. On Saturday Keighley visited bottom placed Skipton Town and were a goal down after Town scored with virtually their first and last attack. Keighley then settled and played some good football with Colin Buckley hitting the equaliser, Philip Booth putting them ahead and Buckley making it 3-1 at half-time.

In the second half Keighley dominated but could not add to their total. Never threatened they could and should have won more convincingly but their failure to capitalise has cost them dearly this season. Haworth and Cross Hills met with only League places at stake and it was Haworth who dominated for most of the match with goals from Matthew Gilmartin, Neil Rollins and Simon Thompson, giving them a 3-0 lead. Cross Hills took advantage of apathy in the Haworth defence to pull a goal back but Graeme Byrne and Matthew Gilmartin restored the balance with Cross Hills getting a late consolation.

Oxenhope Recreation, looking to hang onto third place, defeated Addingham 2-0 and with the return against Addingham their last League match, third place looks on.

In Division One Silsden have really recovered their goal scoring touch and now must be odds on favourites for the title. Midweek they defeated Intake 6-2 going a goal down early on and not pulling it back until half-time but once level they dominated proceedings, adding a further five with one in reply from Intake. Andy Geary hit a hat trick, Andrew Holden and Ryan Hook and Rob Pearson adding the others.

On Saturday Silsden entertained Grassington United and took an early lead through Ryan Hook, a lead they increased in the second half through Andy Geary. Grassington, battling to avoid relegation, pulled a goal back and tried hard for the equaliser but went further behind when Andy Geary hit his second and put one hand on the League Trophy for Silsden and after Monday evening's result when they defeated Carleton 7-1 it looks as though the match against Rimington on Saturday will settle the issue. Keighley Reserves, already relegated, put on a brilliant show on Saturday to overwhelm Rolls Royce by 5-2. Playing for only pride and enjoyment they put up their best performance of the season with fast flowing football. Lee Isherwood put them ahead after five minutes from the penalty spot. Rolls equalised but Keighley dominated the rest of the half adding a second goal before half-time through Dean Foye who added another after the break. Rolls came into the match, briefly pulled a goal back but then Keighley stepped up a gear and further goals from Lee Isherwood gave them a 5-2 victory.

In the Division Two League Cup Haworth Reserves entertained Embsay Reserves in a game they had to win to take a semi-final spot but after five minutes they were a goal down. However, Haworth began creating chances and looking the better side but it was not until the second half that the equaliser came through Graeme Byrne. Once on level terms they began to look more confident and pressure brought a penalty to put them into the lead and a further late penalty, both scored by Jason Lockley, ensured a home semi-final placing.

Cowling Reserves were looking for a place in the Division Three final when they met Addingham Reserves and started well without being able to score despite both sides creating chances. The first goal did not come though until the second half when a curling shot from Adam Whiteoak looped into the net. Addingham quickly hit back to equalise and took the match into extra-time. In this Addingham quickly got on top and with two good goals ended Cowling's hopes of a second final place.

Lothersdale Athletic finished their league programme with a three two defeat at Colne Cricket Club.

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