TERRIBLE weather disrupted the league programme, and the games which went ahead were played on poor surfaces.

Prospects for this weekend look even worse and it is beginning to look as if the season will struggle on until mid-May.

After the games which were played it would now appear that the Premier Division title race is between Skipton Bulldogs and Embsay.

Keighley visited Haworth in midweek and in a typical local derby had to be content with a 2-2 draw, while Bulldogs and Embsay both recorded victories to pull away.

On Saturday Keighley were due to visit Embsay in a four-pointer. the pitch was unfit and the clubs transferred the game to Keighley's ground, but even with home advantage they failed to capitalise in a tight match. Both sides played some good football on a heavy pitch, but it was Embsay who took a two goal lead.

Keighley fought back strongly with a goal from Simon Blackburn and in a hectic last few minutes they had Embsay's defence rocking, but could not get and equaliser. However, Keighley will still have a say in the destination of the title as they still have to play Bulldogs twice.

A Division One relegation battle between Oxenhope Recreation Reserves and Grassington United ended in a vital two points for Oxenhope which saved them from the drop. The game was played in atrocious conditions and Grassington missed a penalty in a goalless first half. Conditions underfoot became even worse after the break, but Oxenhope managed to find the net twice through Gary Fawcett and Stephen Murray. Grassington pulled a goal back in the late stages, but never looked like getting an equaliser.

Bronte Wanderers made the long trip to Clitheroe and came back empty handed despite a battling performance. they lost 1-0, again in very poor conditions which meant that good football was almost impossible. Bronte created several chances, but could not find the net while Clitheroe managed a single goal.

Sutton almost clinched the Division Four Championship with a 5-1 victory over Lothersdale Athletic. Sutton started with a bang and were two goals up in the first 10 minutes and had scored all five goals by half time.

Some uncompromising Sutton tackling reduced Lothersdale to nine men by the final whistle leaving them with an impossible task as they tried to get back into the game. The final goal was scored by Philip richardson who produced a great solo run and finish for Lothersdale. Sutton's scorers were Danny Newton (3), Paul Hitch and Simon Reape.

Silsden saw their hopes of a league and cup double ended when they lost 1-0 at home to Intake in the League cup semi-final. How they lost will remain one of the mysteries of the season after they dominated 80 per cent of play.

They created numerous chances and hit the woodwork. Intake rarely broke out of defence but managed to score the vital goal which has given them a place in the final.

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