KIRKHEATON’S brave challenge for the biggest trophy in Yorkshire came to an end with a 2-0 defeat against Garforth Rangers in the Under 14 County Trophy final at Woodlesford.

Kirkheaton’s occasion started badly when Garforth scored within five minutes and, for the next 15 minutes, the Garforth League (Leeds) side were easily the dominant force.

But as the game progressed, Kirkheaton started to gain a foothold and an equaliser looked certain when Luke Walker outpaced the Garforth defence, but the keeper narrowed the angle and Walker’s shot rolled agonisingly wide.

A goal at that point might have put a different complexion on the game but Kirkheaton’s task was made even harder when Garforth doubled their advantage from a corner, a minute before the half time break.

Lewis Jackson and Tom Gledhill continued to torment the Garforth defence but, although Ricardo Ianzito almost grabbed a goal halfway through the second half, Kirkheaton were unable to prise open the Garforth defence.

In the last set of League games before the Easter break, there were some fascinating results.

North Gawber have looked a good bet to take the Under 11 Division II title for much of the season but, having dropped five points from their last three games, their position doesn’t look safe any more, especially as Honley have closed the gap by winning their last four games.

The latest of those was at Brighouse where Ben Lindley, Ben Turner, Jordan Porter, Nathan Pato and an own goal gave Honley a 5-2 victory. Joseph Holmes and Alex Dale scored for Brighouse.

Westend Under 11s maintained their hopes of securing a Division II promotion slot with a 4-0 win over Norristhorpe.

Goals from Daniel Robinson (2), Matthew Dorotiak and Jacob Giwisser secured the points but fifth-placed Westend will need to win their games in hand if they are to win a place in Division One next season.

In the Under 12s, Linthwaite’s promotion hopes suffered a setback when, despite scoring five times, they were held to a draw at Cumberworth.

Conner Beaumont (2), John Keeling (2) and Jack Hampshire were on target for Linthwaite but Cumberworth were equal to the challenge and goals from Jack Maskill (2), Josh Kilner (2) and Robert Melling left the sides with a point each.

Dalton Dynamoes’ Under 13 Division II promotion hopes were boosted thanks to a 9-2 victory at Battyeford.

Liam Ramsden and James Wolfenden scored for Battyeford but goals from Max Vassalo, Joseph Jadach, Kedesh Goddard, Lloyd, Herve Landu (2) and a hat trick for Thomas Short proved too much for Battyeford.

And the Dynamoes’ second string were equally successful as they leapfrogged Howden Clough into third place in Division IV of the Under 13s. Smith (2), Gian Busia and Robert Morris goals gave Dalton a 4-3 win.

Kirkburton’s hopes of avoiding relegation from Division II of the Under 14s were dealt a blow when they suffered a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Longcroft Lions.

Henry Philpott netted for Kirkburton but replies from Nathan Eastwood and Taylor gave Longcroft Lions the points.

Marsden stay on track for promotion from the Fourth Division of the Under 14s with a solid 6-3 home victory over Hall Green Utd.

Elliott Wood, Corey Avison, Jacob Watson, Josh McAspurn and Jack Dearden scored for Marsden

In Division I of the Under 15s, Skelmanthorpe pulled off a surprise victory at Westend to steer themselves clear of the relegation area.

Adam Sharif was on target for Westend but a goal each for Moxon and Roebuck ensured a vital three points for Skelmanthorpe.

Two goals for Sam Bright and one each for Nathan Martin and Josh Senior gave Shelley Under 15s an important three points to maintain their promotion push.

Shelley hold top spot but their nearest rivals have games in hand.

Longcroft Lions defied their lowly position in Division II of the Under 16s by overturning fourth-place Linthwaite.

Linthwaite were comfortable 7-3 winners last time the two sides met three weeks previously but, on this occasion, only David Naylor managed to score for the Colne Valley side as the Lions picked up a morale-boosting three points thanks to goals from Natahan Scott (2), Dan Dyson and Wainwright to secure a 4-1 victory.

Kirkheaton’s Under 17s continue to produce inconsistent performances.

Having beaten Mount Pleasant in their last league encounter, Kirkheaton were held to a 4-4 draw by the same opposition.

Goals from Ryan O’ Hara (2), Jordan Preene and Liam Dobson earned Kirkheaton a point.