LEADERS Stanningley Albion's home match against third-placed Thornton United was an early weather casualty in the Bradford Sunday Alliance League, which enabled their Premier Division rivals to narrow the gap.

Peel Park, for example, moved into second place following a hard-fought 2-1 home victory against George Hotel.

Adam Turner gave Peel the lead with an excellent left-footed finish from the edge of the area but George equalised just before half-time through a well-taken free-kick.

With the game looking like a stalemate, Alan Morley senior came off the bench with five minutes to go and beat a defender to a Turner cross, flicking a quality header into the far corner to win the game.

Bolton Woods are up to third after a 4-2 victory at Sandy Lane, while West Bowling improved their goal difference with a 13-0 romp over a young, inexperienced Bradford Moor team, who – although heavily outplayed – gallantly fought to the end.

Damian Melvyn hit five goals for the hosts, with Luke Cook getting a brace and Patsy Hollinger coming off the bench to add a double, Paul Hellawell having started the rout.

In the battle to escape relegation, Buttershaw Celtic were winning 4-2 with five minutes left against Napoleons Casino after strikes by Jamie Brennan, Dan O'Donnell and Liam Keeley, plus an own goal. But two late goals by the hosts meant the teams shared the points.

Division One pace-setters Allerton were beaten 5-1 by Bradford Horton Sports and replaced at the summit by in-form Oakenshaw, who have only been beaten once in the league this season, defeating CuedosRangers 5-3 in their latest outing.

White Eagles bounced back from defeat at the hands of Ventus United last week by winning the reverse fixture 6-1.

The hosts took the lead through a Danny Facey penalty before United equalised with a piledriver.

However, the Eagles were generally on top, although Ventus made sure that the hosts remained honest.

In the second half, Facey added his second goal and Mark Betts hit a brace, Jamie Bairstow and Levi Maturine getting one each.

If you thought 13 was a good return, Division 1A leaders Undercliffe Cricket Club set a season-record score when they defeated basement boys Delius 23-1, elevating their goal difference to plus 41 from just nine matches.

Second-placed Cartwright Lister fell off the pace after a 1-1 draw at Upper George Wibsey – but Oddfellows Celtic narrowed the gap after a 5-0 victory over next-to-bottom Dog & Gun.

Gallopers still lead Division 2A after defeating Eccleshill Punjab 5-4 but 100 per centers Mill Lane must surely be favourites for the title after another convincing victory over Fairweather Green WMC, this time by 10-3, with Steve Hollingworth hitting four and Carl Canoville bagging a brace.

Another team in contention with matches in hand are Junction, who had a 7-0 victory over Shoulder of Mutton, while Pudsey United won a thriller 7-4 at Turf. Craig Gartland bagged a brace for the home team, with Mathew Taylor and Jordan Sargent also getting on the scoresheet, the visitors running away with the match in the second half.

In Division 2B, only a goal difference of four separates leaders Salthorn WMC and Lyceum, although the former do have a match in hand.

Lyceum closed the gap at the top with an 8-2 victory over Park at Arkwright Street, with Glynn Beale and Aaron Heywood both hitting four goals before Park grabbed a couple of late consolations.

* All clubs are reminded that there is a league meeting at Leicester Street Community Centre (aka Unity club) tonight (8.15). There will be a representative from the West Riding County Football Association regarding any clubs that want to apply for Charter Standard status.