Yorkshire Amateur League: In-trouble Trinity show true colours

If the league set fixed odds, this would have spoiled many a coupon as Trinity recorded their first win of the season – with Wigton’s record wiped off – and Alwoodley suffering defeat for the first time.

Trinity, who play at St Theresa’s School on Barwick Road, have struggled badly to recruit players but benefited from two new additions in their unlikely victory.

“It’s been difficult getting a team out every week and getting any sort of consistency,” club secretary Rob Pearson explained.

“That’s partly a sign of the times but I think the league position puts people off as well.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game.

“The attitude was brilliant and we battled.

“Mark Ryan came in and did a brilliant job in central midfield and another new face in Yasha Niksaz came on and helped win the game for us.”

The home side lost captain Chris Bowden to injury early on but took the lead through top scorer Stevie Travers and Ryan then chested home a second goal.

Alwoodley were without a couple of key players but had star man Callum Armstrong in their ranks and he struck in the second half alongside Dan Whincup to make it 2-2, only for Alex Yates to hit the winner in the 80th minute.

Trinity are cut off at the bottom of the table but Pearson hopes that this win can spur the club on to end the season strongly. He said: “It was good for the lads to get a first win.

“Any time you’re getting beaten most weeks, you can see confidence draining out of the players.

“That win will have given everyone a boost and hopefully we can keep it up until the end of the season.”

A late goal from 16-year-old Ashley Muncaster saw Ealandians turn the tables on Leeds Medics with a 4-3 win at Elland Cricket Club.

Ealandians have hit a bad run of form of late and despite Dom Finn’s goal, were in trouble after falling 3-1 down to efforts from John Forrest, Bradley Chambers and Paul Jackson.

A half-time switch helped them get one back 10 minutes after the break when Glyn Haley headed in substitute Wayne Crossley’s delivery, with Finn later bundling home his second.

Colin Schofield’s great assist deserved credit but all eyes were on young Muncaster who converted the cross to give Ealandians their first win in four games. There was also a late twist at Cardinal Square where St Nicholas kept up their excellent run with a 3-2 win against Beeston Juniors.

Ryan Brough gave Nick’s, who have won four of their last five, a lead which was levelled out by Josh Walsh. Beeston then went in front thanks to Ryan Dawson only for that to be cancelled out by a Cameron Lynn goal.

On a breakaway in the 85th minute, Mark Hill’s speculative effort sneaked under the bar to give the visitors a dramatic win.

Elsewhere, Farsley Celtic are now seven points behind leaders Stanley United with two games in hand after they defeated Grangefield 2-1.

Louis Surtees’ powerful strike put the champions 1-0 up but the dangerous Danny Lyons fluffed his lines and Nick Smith slotted home a penalty after a clumsy tackle.

Smith was given his marching orders late in the game, after Chad Morris had scored the winner.

In the Championship, the gap between the top five and bottom six is only widening after three emphatic wins for the form sides at the weekend.

Drighlington moved into fourth place by beating Alwoodley Reserves 5-2, thanks to well-taken braces from Shane Sowden and Josh Frankland, with Ryan Rhodes also on the scoresheet.

Leeds Medics Reserves were in fine form as they saw off a committed Shire Academics 3-0, Frazer Ritchie, Nick Maxwell and Jon Cattrall getting their goals.

Mount St Mary’s eased past a disappointing Beeston St Anthony’s 5-0 after being three goals up at half-time.

In Division One, St Bedes’ stayed second by beating Dewsbury Rangers 3-1 and Gildersome Spurs recorded another victory over Leeds Medics III 4-1.

In the division’s other game, bottom side Rothwell were beating 8-0 by Garforth Rangers.

Division Two saw a highly entertaining game at Spinkwell Lane as Idle and Woodkirk Valley drew 4-4.

This was an upset that draws Woodkirk further towards safety and damages Idle’s promotion bid.

Third-placed Leeds City Old Boys beat fourth-placed Colton Athletic 3-1.