DRIGHLINGTON earned an impressive 4-1 away victory over Stanningley that keeps them just three points behind Yorkshire Amateur Premier Division leaders Farsley Celtic Juniors.

The hosts had 12 men unavailable and had to call a couple of players out of retirement but they stuck to their task well in the first half and even took the lead through a Jimmy Halliday free kick.

They failed to offer anything more going forward though and Harvey Booth equalised for Drighlington before Shane Sowden put the visitors ahead on the hour.

Further goals in quick succession from Josh Frankland and Brett Thomson enabled Drighlington to win comfortably and continue their fascinating battle at the summit.

Farsley remain top after picking up maximum points from their opening seven games. They won 2-0 against a resolute Horsforth St Mary's side, with second half goals from Louis Surtees and Joe Firth sealing the contest.

Prior to Firth's clincher, Horsforth pressed for a late equaliser, but were thwarted by a magnificent save from Farsley's keeper Jordan Wright.

A game of many twists and turns saw a first half Farsley penalty miss and a disallowed goal for Horsforth's James Watson after the break.

The Farsley manager, Barry Thirsk, said: "We had loads of possession with Horsforth hoping to hit on the break but we stuck to the task of breaking down their rearguard."

Farsley were rewarded for their patience and Barry felt "that fifth placed Horsforth were probably the best team they had played up to now, well organised with some decent players that will be tough opponents for anyone."

In the Championship, St Bedes drop to seventh after four consecutive defeats. Garforth Crusaders' 2-1 victory there on Saturday moved them above St Bedes and into fifth.

Bedes played well in the first half but they were hit by a sucker punch when a Stephen Phillips missile flew into the corner of the net for Garforth from 30 yards out.

The hosts continued to attack after the break and missed two half-chances but Tom Helliwell netted a free kick for Crusaders to add to Bedes' woes.

Bedes kept their heads up and reduced the arrears to 2-1 thanks to Gary Sunderland but the Garforth defence held firm to earn victory.

In Division Four, second-placed Gildersome Spurs Reserves won 10-0 at Beeston Juniors Reserves after Jamie Lloyd netted a hat-trick.

One of the shocks of the day came in the Leeds District Cup when Farsley Celtic Juniors Reserves won 3-2 at Leeds City.

City started more brightly and went ahead in the 11th minute but Farsley replied immediately through Neil Stevens.

A defence splitting pass put Leeds back in front but Farsley improved and Jacob Kellet slotted home to restore parity by the break.

A 64th minute strike by Mark Brady gave the visitors the lead and they clung on despite late Leeds pressure.

In Round One of the Wheatley Cup, Gildersome Spurs Old Boys hammered Savile United 12-1, with Mike Hall scoring seven, while Drighlington Reserves bowed out with a 3-1 home defeat against Woodkirk Valley.