BATLEYS remarkable run of form that took the mid-table Second Division club to the verge of silverware eventually deserted them as Guiseley lifted the RCD League Under 17 Cup 3-0.

Guiseley, who are now favourites for a League and Cup double, took an early lead when Wraith Haley-Neilson skipped a couple of close challenges to find enough space to fire home the opening goal after 10 minutes.

But the goal was to end any thoughts the First Division leaders might have had about an easy ride as the defensive qualities of Batleys Declan Goodman, Lewis Bryant, Shka Iqbal and Alex Wilkinson, backed up by the excellent Matthew Collins in goal, proved an almost impossible barrier for the Guiseley forwards to break down.

Jack Hinchliffe and Phil Worth were unable to take advantage of the half chances that came Guiseleys way and Jake Padgett might have done better but the midfielders header flew just over the bar.

The first half ended with a Hinchliffe shot that brought gasps from the crowd when keeper Collins pulled off a superb one handed diving save.

Batleys resistance continued throughout most of the second half and, when referee Tahir Khan spotted a hand ball in the penalty area, the possibility of an upset suddenly appeared but keeper Lee Cookson proved why Guiseley are such a difficult team to beat when he saved Alex Wilkinsons spot kick.

Batleys best chance of the game was gone and, with the sun now sapping the players strength, a second goal for Guiseley, scored by Kayden Jackson, finally ended any hopes of a Batley victory.

Daniel Butterfield sealed the cup for Guiseley with a third goal minutes before the whistle.

Guiseley deserved their victory, but they will not have faced many opponents who were as difficult to break down as Batley.

In the League, many teams are now approaching the last handful of games and, with league titles, promotion and relegation looming, the tension is rising.

None more so than in the top division of the Under 15s.

While Brighouse Town and Deighton were battling for glory in the League Cup final, their title rivals were making headway in the league.

A goal each for Michael Berry and Ben Harrison moved Collegians, who are desperate for a league title after coming so close in previous seasons, three points closer to the top with a solid 2-0 victory over Wyke Wanderers.

And Jordan Floyd, Ben Cousen and Reece Lloyd scored the goals to secure a 3-1 win for Almondbury Lions at Honley to move the Lions level with leaders Brighouse Town.