Unless two clubs share the same ground, there can be no closer local derby than Colne Valley versus Slaithwaite United whose pitches are separated by just a couple of yards at Linthwaite Rec.
There is quite a difference between the two sides since last season.
Slaithwaite were relegated from Division Two but have made changes to their squad. Returning to the club after a season away are Adam Bower who spent last season at Lower Hopton and Chris Wilkins who turned out with Paddock rangers last term.
They also have Greg Bower back on regular basis along with two signings from Golcar – Dale Morgan and Darryl Haigh.
This influx should make them stronger and four wins from four games have proved that.
On the other hand, the Colne Valley just missed out on promotion last season finishing third.
The club boasts almost the same team except as last season except that their strike force duo of John Conheeney and Liam Gibbon are in full swing after long term injuries.
Going into their match last week, they filled the top two positions in Division Three with Slaithwaite having a 100% record from four matches with Colne Valley a point behind from one extra game.
Now there is a change at the top and Slaithwaite have lost their record. Ash Scott gave Slaithwaite a 25th minute lead but just before half time Lewis Gibbon equalised.
Gibbon scored his second to give Colne Valley the lead but Ashley Bower converted a penalty to make it 2-2.
At this stage it could have gone either way but the Conheeney-Gibbon strike partnership is lethal and it led to two more for Gibbon to earn his side a 4-2 win.
With Gibbon’s speed of though and movement, he will provide a thorn in many a defence this season
Slaithwaite actually drop to third, although they do have a game in hand, as Scissett beat Uppermill 7-0 to go second and this was another match which saw a four goal feat from one player.
It was Michael Johnson who scored four to add to the goals from Steve Dodson, Richard Humphrey and Angus Cox.
Scissett have lost one and drawn one of their six fixtures – the defeat came at the hands of Slaithwaite and the draw was shared with Colne Valley.
In fourth position is the unbeaten Brook Motors who have drawn three of their six fixtures and they are followed by Moorside and Lepton, who came from a goal behind to beat Hade Edge 3-1.
All the top six will fancy that they have some chance of promotion if not the title itself.
There is also new leaders at the top of Division One. Top team Shelley were held to a 1-1 drew with fourth placed Heyside. Ashley Vickers gave Shelley a 1-0 half time lead but Mark Hopwood equalised for Heyside.
As a result, both sides drop one position. Shelley slip to second as Berry Brow go top having recorded a 6-1 victory over Holmfirth Town.
Newsome’s 5-0 win over Diggle, which included a first half hat trick from Dean Siddiq, moved them into fourth and send Heyside down to fifth but there is only three points separating the top six.
In Division Four, there was very little change at the top. The leaders Almondbury Woolpack beat Junction 6-4 with the help of another four goal man – Courtney Allert this time.
In fact Junction who had been in fourth slipped to seventh as they were the only one of the top seven not to win.
The Woolpack retain their one point advantage at the top but like the other divisions there are many clubs who still fancy their chances.
This division has still to settle down as there have been very few games where the sides in top seven have played each other – when that does happen, the picture will be clearer.
There was a change at the top of Division Two as Kirkheaton move above Marsden on goal difference.
It was reported recently that the Rovers had maintained their 100% record because of their defence – their attack had only scored seven in nine games.
Well last week their attack has answered their critics – scoring nine in one game with Cumberworth being the sufferers – and yet another four goal feat from Daniel Lorryman.
