Yorkshire Amateur League: Top-flight crown is almost in Celtic hands

Goalless at half-time, leading scorer Danny Lyons broke the deadlock for Farsley before Rodillian hit back just ten minutes later.

Relegated Rodillian thought they had done enough for a point but Gordon Grimes rose highest to head home a late winner. The result leaves Farsley five points above nearest rivals Ealandians with three games remaining while also having a clear goal difference advantage.

Ealandians’ title hopes may be all but over after they were thrashed 5-1 by Grangefield.

While there were no goals in the first half, Ealandians took the lead through a James Parkinson free-kick. But their lead didn’t last long as Grant Jackson levelled from the penalty spot before a goalkeeper error saw the floodgates open.

Jackson scored a hat-trick while a goal for Matt Tomlinson and an own goal for Ealandians move Grangefield up to sixth.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Wigton Moor remain in the bottom two after they were on the end of a 5-0 defeat away at Alwoodley.

Alwoodley’s five goals were scored by five different players with Callum Armstrong, Dino Mulavdic, Dan Whincup, Tom Rawson and Graham Shaw all on the scoresheet.

Alwoodley were also victorious over Leeds Medics and Dentists in midweek meaning that Medics’ slim title hopes were over going into their weekend clash with Marflitt Trophy finalists Stanningley.

Despite their title challenge over, Medics still look to tie up third place and that was helped by a 2-1 win.

Brad White had given Stanningley a surprise lead but Medics were level before half-time, grabbing the winner 10 minutes from time.

The destination of the Championship title is still undecided with three teams fighting for the trophy.

Second-placed St Nicholas missed the chance to go top as they were beaten 1-0 by third placed Leeds Medics Reserves.

While the Medics Reserves side can’t be promoted due to their first team competing in the top-flight there was certainly no lack of passion as Nick Maxwell scored the only goal of the game.

It was St Nicholas’ first league defeat of the season as they remain two points behind leaders Beeston Juniors with two games in hand.

Meanwhile, 10 goals were split 7-3 as Morley Town ran out victors against relegation threatened Old Batelians with a brace from Chris Pearson leading the way for the visitors.

Old Batelians remain in the bottom two on goal difference with Stanningley Reserves above them also having the luxury of games in hand.

Beeston St Anthony’s and Thornesians shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

Thornesians led early on through Dec Redman while it was a similar goal that brought St Anthony’s level, the goal coming from Tony Garth.

Drighlington are within touching distance of the Division One title after they beat St Bedes 5-0.

Braces for both the division’s top scorer Shane Sowden, Bailey Collinson and a strike from Joe Lawrence helped Drighlington to a comfortable victory.

A 3-0 win for Calverley United on Monday evening leaves Drighlington five points clear with a game in hand while St Bedes remain third from bottom although find themselves eight points clear from the relegation places.

Third-placed Amaranth also have a game in hand over promotion rivals Calverley United with a 2-0 win away at Dewsbury Rangers leaving them four points off a place in the top two. Danny Sutcliffe and Andy Coulbeck were both on target for Amaranth.

Grangefield Reserves, one of the early favourites for promotion, are ninth after a 3-1 defeat at home to Garforth Rangers. A brace from Kean Varley and a Tom Dewhirst strike giving fourth placed Garforth all three points.

Meanwhile, Wortley made double figures as they thrashed already relegated Colton Athletic 10-3. The Wortley goals came from Tom Bailey (2), Cody Doyle (2), Jordan Hey (2), Ash Skillington, Ash Birdsall, Joe Hudson and Danny Purcell.

Wheelwright remain in the relegation places and were left cursing their luck as they were beaten 5-4 at home to Rothwell Reserves.

Rothwell’s Liam Parker stole the show as he scored four of the sides goals, George Walker also on target, while a hat-trick for Wheelwright’s Johnny Beverley was in vain.