Yorkshire Amateur League: Ealandians' player-boss Crossley leads by example

Crossley oversaw six straight league defeats with a pulsating 4-3 Premier Division victory over Athletico on Easter Saturday providing welcome respite. He fired in a crucial leveller at 1-1, cancelling out Mohammed Raj’s opener.

Colin Schofield dragged the hosts back into the contest after Uma Ali’s strike, the free-flowing contest benefiting from its staging on a 3G surface at Bradford University.

Mohammed Qasim ensured entertainers Athletico would once again lead only for sub James Parkinson and a superb Crossley free-kick to turn the tables.

Appropriately, there is very little between the two teams in the league standings although Ealandians strengthened their grip on fourth with their opponents close by in fifth.

Farsley Celtic Juniors sealed a third successive win by mauling Morley Town 5-1. Joe Firth and Louis Surtees both bagged braces, with Andy Shields also on target.

Morley, meanwhile, dropped into the relegation zone with the defeat, although Aidan Phillip got a goal back.

Stanningley Old Boys climbed out of the drop zone by beating Beeston Juniors 3-0. John Mallinson, Tom Stewart and Lewis Mawson earned a win for Stanningley.

Leeds Medics’ persistence paid off with a 5-0 defeat of stubborn bottom side St Nicholas. Keiran Wardman, Amir Amin, Niall Temple and David Ashmore combined with goals to leave Steve Ledger’s side three points clear at the summit.

In the first semi, Drighlington prevailed to reach their first-ever Marflitt Trophy final with a 2-0 defeat of top-flight colleagues Grangefield Old Boys. Shane Sowden and Harvey Booth capped an impressive team display for Steve Phillips’ side, who have maintained a dual challenge this term in the league and cup.

As they engage in a ding-dong battle with Medics at the top of the Premier Division, they will also fight it out in the Marflitt final on April 11 at Bradford Park Avenue.