WITHDRAWAL of teams proved a common theme for the Taylor’s Timber West Riding County Amateur League.

At the end of the 2015-16 campaign hey had 37 teams – 27 first teams and ten reserves – but five new teams brought them up to three divisions of 14 teams.

Two sides each joined from the Huddersfield League and Spen Valley League, while Bradford Sunday Alliance League club Thornton United added a Saturday team.

Before the league’s annual meeting, Division Two runners-up Gildersome Spurs returned to the Yorkshire Amateur League, while former Leeds Red Triangle Invitation League side Hunslet Club & Parkside folded.

The clubs decided that the Premier Division and Division One would stay at 14 clubs, with Division Two having 12 but before the season started, two of the most successful clubs in the league withdrew.

Bay Athletic cited financial and ground problems, while Storthes Hall pulled out due to a lack of players.

Division One sides Dudley Hill Rangers and Lepton Highlanders were promoted.

But the withdrawal of teams continued through the season, with both Ovenden West Riding and Tyersal pulling their reserve sides.

Dudley Hill Rangers then pulled out of the Premier Division and Division One teams Thornes and Wakefield City also withdrew, mainly through player shortage.

Leading goalscorers (including league, League Cup, County Cup and Trophy and District cups) – Premier Division: 59 E Hey (Halifax Irish), 53 D Naidole (Huddersfield YMCA), 33 J Missin (Campion), 32 J Bullivant (Lepton Highlanders). Division One: 27 C Thompson (DRAM Community), 26 J Bryce (Newsome), 22 J Jobarteh (Newsome), 22 J Ludford (Campion Reserves). Division Two: 27 A Hakimaz (Route One Rovers), 27 D Walker (Thornton United), 26 J Selby (Thornton United), 21 K Lawrence (Golcar United Reserves).

2015-16

ROLL OF HONOUR

Premier Division, champions: Huddersfield YMCA, runners-up, Lepton Highlanders. Division One, champions Newsome, runners-up Overthorpe SC.

Division Two, champions Thornton United, runners-up Golcar United Reserves.

Divisional cups – Premier Division, winners Huddersfield YMCA, runners-up Steeton.

Division One, winners Newsome, runners-up Holmfirth Town. Division Two, winners: Salts Reserves, runners-up Littletown Reserves.

District FA cups – Bradford FA winners: Campion, runners-up Field. Huddersfield FA, winners: Huddersfield YMCA, runners-up Golcar United. Keighley FA Supplementary Cup, winners: Steeton Reserves, runners-up Cross Hills Reserves.