Airedale mens team beat Sheffield 2-0 to remain top of Yorkshire Division Two.

An impressive performance by the team restricted Sheffield to just one shot at goal which resulted in a spectacular save from Graeme Baird.

In the first half Airedale were disallowed a goal with Neil Horsmans short corner strike being judged too high.

Minutes later Nick Pedley put Martin Pursey through for what should have been the opener but a goalline tackle from a desperate defence prevented the score. The first half finished 0-0 but it didn't take long before Airedale started to apply more pressure in the second half.

Within five minutes Neil Horsmans short courner strike was save by the sheffield keeper only for Andy Barrett to smash the rebound back into the net.

Airedale tightened their grip on the game and restricted play to the Sheffield half for most of the second half.

Phil Ramshaw moved up from left defence to cause further problems to an already struggling sheffield side which resulted in Martin Pursey scoring from thr tightest of angles. The score could have been much higher with Pursey narrowly missing one and Nick Pedley hitting the post.

This week Airedale face Huddersfield-based David Browns at Marley (3pm).

Airedale ladies had a poor day, losing to local rivals Bingley 2nds 6-0. Despite some good play and creating several good chances the experience of Bingley took its toll.

The half time score of 2-0 meant Airedale had to push forward in the second half.

Airedale showed a lot of adventure and set up several good chances but were punished by Bingley when they lost possession in the Bingley half. Most goals came from counter attacks that Airedale couldn't contain.

Skipton were disappointed by their result against championship rivals Huddersfield Dragons after an impressive start.

Sam Smith set up Mary Morris twice in the first half for almost identical goals.

Skipton's defence was solid with man of the match Deb Nelson frustrating a highly talented Dragons attack. They went into the break 2-0 up.

The second half saw the Dragons step up the pressure with their 32 times England International stricker Amanda Sowerby reorganising the team to great effect.

Skipton missed their inspirational midfield captain Linda Stewart who was unavailable this week and succumbed to pressure.

Sowerby, who had been held back by some excellent marking by Fiona Wood in the first half, managed to break free and set up two goals, then scored the winner with only two minutes to go.

Sowerby commented after the match that it was the hardest match she had been in since leaving the national league premier division three seasons ago.

The rematch at Marley will be crutial in deciding the First Division champions.

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