RESURGENT Golcar United are confident of providing a strong challenge for West Riding County Amateur League honours next season.

Despite a frustratingly slow start, the managerial partnership of Craig Waterworth and Ian Lockwood, have got things back on track and the focused team have lost only three of their last 15 Premier Division games, which has seen the Longfield Avenue-based outfit move to sixth, but with strong claims for a top-four finish.

Waterworth said: “With a few new faces already lined up, there is certainly a buzz and belief that Golcar will be in the hunt for silverwear next year.”

Supporting their claims, Golcar picked up four points from a possible six, from their last two tough games against title-challengers Bay Athletic and uncompromising Bradford outfit Campion.

Golcar held leaders Bay to a goalless draw last Wednesday before goals from Kieran Ryan and Warren Brook gave the Colne Valley outfit a 2-0 win against fifth-placed Campion.

Good work by Simon Ollerenshaw sent Richard Walsh clear down the wing and he whipped in a great cross for Ryan to fire United ahead.

But, with Golcar always in control, the match was made memorable for an exquisite strike from Brook.

Walsh fired across a corner and Brook leapt head and shoulders above the defence before executing a sensational scissor-kick from 10 yards which rifled in to the top corner.

It capped a fantastic team performance from the in-form side in the League.

Meltham dropped two more valuable points in their title challenge after a 1-1 draw against lowly Ovenden who belied their league position with a determined performance.

Meltham, who have dropped to fourth but have games in hand on teams above, missed chances from Chris Kaye and Tom Mathews.

But their pressure finally paid off when Adam Mathews seized on a through ball to shoot his team into the lead on 20 minutes.

But, to Ovenden’s credit they hit back when Matt Calland levelled on 24 minutes.

Meltham struggled to break down the visitor’s strong defence and despite creating numerous chances a draw was just rewards for a well-organised Ovenden. It was a fair result played in great spirit by both teams and excellently refereed by Don Jagger.

In Division I promotion candidates Kirkburton hit Rawdon Old Boys for six without reply to maintain second place, two points behind leaders South Bradford with a game in hand and six ahead of third-placed Marsden.

On target for Burton was Brendan Aspinall, Lee Bradley, Ashley Flynn, Jordan Tindle (2) and Adam Wilson.

It was the perfect tonic ahead of Burton’s Sheffield Shield final appearance tomorrow at Worsbrough Bridge (7.00).

Burton face Telecom Sports who are top of the Premiership in the Sheffield Wragg League.