Steeton face battle to catch Silsden

11:18am Thursday 28th August 2008

With just three games to go, there is no room for mistakes for Aire-Wharfe League clubs fighting for promotion or battling against relegation.

In the race to go up from DIVISION TWO, Steeton face the almost impossible task of winning their last three games while Silsden fail to win any of theirs and pick up fewer than six points.

That becomes even more unlikely after a glance at Saturday’s fixtures as Steeton host in-form Calverley, undefeated since 5 July, while Silsden take on bottom club New Rover, who could be confirmed as one of the sides dropping out of the division.

The shadow of the second relegation place hangs over several clubs. Olicanian, who currently fill it, three points adrift of Bardsey, are at home to Harden and know they must end a three-match losing streak if they are to survive.

Upper Wharfedale can do them a favour by beating Bardsey and while an eight-point cushion should be enough to keep Tong Park safe, they are unlikely to pick up anything against a Knaresborough side who should confirm their place in the top flight.

The battle for the DIVISION ONE championship is now between leaders Kirkstall, who face a tricky trip to one-time contenders Beckwithshaw, and Guiseley, who entertain bottom club Collingham.

However things turn out, it has been a remarkable season for Dave Pennett’s Guiseley side, who this time last year were battling for promotion and have only spent three weeks of this campaign out of the top two.

They came up with Rawdon, who have faded in recent weeks but still put up a spirited challenge for honours in their first season back.

They deserve to keep their top-half place but may find it hard going against a North Leeds side who have hit form in the second half of the season.

Otley take on 11th-placed Bilton, while Burley can ease their own concerns by beating Pool, who are five points below them in tenth.

Thackley need just a draw against Ilkley to be sure of joining Illingworth in promotion from DIVISION THREE.

At the other end of the table, Addingham take on Menston hoping to pick up the points needed to get them off the bottom, while nearest rivals Alwoodley travel to a Horsforth side who have dropped to tenth.

After ending Skipton’s hopes of promotion, Ben Rhydding will be full of confidence when they tackle Woodhouse, while Bolton Villas can take over third place with a victory over Skipton, who currently hold that spot.

Hall Park could boost a disappointing campaign by becoming the first team to beat Illingworth.

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