FARSLEY Celtic Juniors have laid down another emphatic marker as they drive towards what they hope will be the Yorkshire Amateur League Premier Division title.

The second-placed club defeated third-placed visitors Grangefield Old Boys 7-1, and Celtic still trail Huddersfield Amateur by seven points but have three games in hand, while the biggest dangers could be Ealandians, who are seven points behind Farsley with four games in hand.

Juniors took an early lead from the penalty spot via Craig Farrand after John Mallinson, signed from Stanningley Old Boys, was brought down.

The latter player soon made it 2-0 by heading home a free-kick and, although Grangefield rallied either side of half-time, Andy Cooper broke away to make it 3-0.

Andy Kenyon made Celtic pay for relaxing by replying with a goal but this stung them into action as Cooper, pacy substitute Ben Cook (2) and Mallinson finished the Old Boys off to put Farsley in good heart before their tough trip to Ealandians on Saturday.

There was better news for Grangefield Old Boys' Reserves, who beat Rodillian Reserves 2-1 in their Hancock Cup quarter-final.

The skilful and nippy Josh Spencer created the opening Old Boys goal for Dan Cuff after 18 minutes and, although Rodillian equalised, Cuff finally got the winner to book a tie against Farsley Celtic Juniors Reserves.

Calverley United gave an improved display in the Championship Division at home to second-placed Beeston Old Boys but still lost 2-1 to extend the basement boys' losing streak to 11 matches. Kev Brown got the equaliser for United, only for them to lose to a disputed penalty.

St Bede's are now second bottom in Division One after a 6-0 defeat at home to promotion candidates St Nicholas, while St Bede's Reserves went down 7-0 at Old Collegians in Division Two to drop to the basement.

Bainbridge made it six wins on the bounce in Division Three with a 4-3 home victory over Old Modernians Reserves to remain fifth.

Shoaib Hussain's brace took his tally to 11 goals in five matches, with others coming from Fezan Akubak and Hassan Iqbal, while Bilal Saleem was again man of the match.

Bainbridge are only eight points behind leaders Churwell Lions with two games in hand, while Heckmondwike Grammar School Old Boys are heading in the opposite direction after dropping from first to sixth on the back of six games without a win, their latest setback being by 1-0 at home to Ealandians Reserves.

Farsley Celtic Juniors Reserves won 13-0 at FC Headingley Reserves but only had three scorers – debutant Steve Wells (6), who has signed from Calverley United, Alex Gyte (5) and James Kasher (2).

Celtic are fourth, five points behind the Lions with a game in hand in what is a very tight division.