Queen Hotel were crowned Amateur Cup champions as they edged a tight contest 2-1 against Eccleshill WMC in the first of the Bradford Sunday Alliance League knockout finals at Manningham Mills.

Dean Louch was in terrific form and deservedly took the man of the match award as Hotel made up for losing the Bradford & District Sunday Cup final 5-0 to Salthorn WMC just a few days earlier.

The GOALS-sponsored Amateur Cup showpiece proved to be an uninspiring affair, with blustery conditions not really allowing for attractive football.

Saqlain Shah fired over the bar for Division 3B side Queen Hotel during a goalless first half, having done the hard work by bursting between two defenders.

But he made amends ten minutes after the interval as, with his side well organised at the back and limiting Eccleshill’s forwards to few chances, he opened the scoring.

The Division 3A leaders did then equalise as Gareth Hughes took advantage of a rare slip, with the Hotel keeper spilling his shot over the line.

But Shah made it a personal double by grabbing the deciding goal 15 minutes from time as Hotel celebrated lifting the trophy.

League action included just one Premier Division contest and that saw Stanningley Albion climb to third place after a 2-0 win against George Hotel.

Oakenshaw climbed away from the lower reaches of the Division One table by winning 2-0 at Buttershaw Celtic, whose title hopes were ended as a result.

Leaders Napoleons Casino also slipped up, 3-0 to third-placed Thornbury Celtic, but cannot now be caught at the summit.

Division 1A table-toppers Bolton Woods Socials were beaten as well, with Delius their 2-1 conquerors, but are far enough clear to be sure of the title.

Towngate and Unity shared four goals and the points in a mid-table clash – but the match of the day saw Wyke Rangers edge out visiting Pudsey Amateurs 2-1 to almost guarantee promotion at the expense of the opponents.

There were few chances early on before Nick Darbey fired Wyke ahead, only for Pudsey to equalise almost immediately.

It then needed Wyke skipper Liam Hainsworth to pop up with a last-minute winner from a free-kick to leave his side needing just one more point from their last three games to go up alongside Bolton Woods.

Park remain top of the pile in Division 3B – but Eccleshill Punjab could still nick the title if they can hold off new Amateur Cup champions Queen Hotel on Sunday, April 27.

* Clubs are reminded that the initial West Riding County Football Association’s first aid course is tonight, for those who have applied to go on it.

The league are hoping to run further courses if there is enough interest. Any club wishing to attend should contact Pat Goodall on patgoodall@bsafl.plus.com or Trevor Adams at t-adams4@sky.com.