SHELLEY’S Under 16 strugglers put on a brave display with 10 men against Division IV title chasing Eccleshill United, but the result was inevitable.
With Eccleshill playing down the slope and with a strong following wind, Shelley did extremely well to hold the score to 6-0 at half time.
Eccleshill eventually ran out 10-0 winners to move a step closer to the title.
Kirkheaton’s hopes of improving on their single win so far this season were looking good when Anthony Brogan-Ellis (2), Ashley Brogan-Ellis and Joel Ibbotson found the net, but fellow Division II strugglers Meltham went one better with replies from Elliot Currid (2), Thomas Crossland, Gregory Cooke and Dominic Shaw to claim the win.
The big game of the day was Hepworth United Under 12s at Meltham – both battling for the First Division title.
A Jordan Wimpenny goal for the home side was cancelled out by Sam Thompson’s strike for Hepworth and they had to settle for a point each as the game finished 1-1.
In Division II of the Under 12s, Collegians’ win over Netherton put them within touching distance of promotion.
Netherton gave the home side a run for their money with goals from Daman Ellam and Mark Johnson, but Collegians finally overcame the challenge when Niall Finneran (2), James Coverdale and Joseph Barker netted to secure the points.
The race for the Under 13 title gets tastier by the game.
No fewer than six teams are still in the race but with Rastrick, Yorkshire Lions, Honley and Howden Clough all drawing, the door was left open for North Gawber to move top for the first time this season.
In the Under 18s, Honley kept in touch with the leaders thanks to a solid win over AFC Emley.
Ryan Pickup and Josh Ingham were on target for Emley but the home side went one better through Dale Whiteley, Matthew Lee and Richie Eales to give Honley a 3-2 victory and a much needed three points.
