MARSDEN Under 15s returned empty handed from a trip to Bailiff Bridge where they suffered their first defeat of the season 3-0 at the hands of Clifton Rangers, who now move into second place in Division Four.
Although Clifton looked the stronger as Matthew Hartley and Matthew Schofield piled on the pressure, Elliot Wood and Lewis King stood firm at the heart of the Marsden defence and, with no goals scored by half time, there was always hope that Marsden could turn the game.
Despite a spirited second-half effort from Matthew Withers and Nathan Lockwood, Marsden were unable to find a way past defenders Jack Tankard, William Kneeshaw and Farron Denton and, unfortunately for Marsden, Clifton’s relentless pressure continued and goals for Jake Muffitt, Alex Squires and an own goal settled the issue in Clifton’s favour.
In the top division of the Under 15s, Dalton Dynamoes made it four wins from fours games with a narrow 3-2 win over Warley Rangers.
Two goals for Stafford kept the Elland side in the game but a double strike from Dunstan and one from David sealed another three points and top spot in Division I for the Dynamoes.
Westend Under 13s maintained their position among the Third Division leaders with a 4-3 victory over Collegians.
Blake Corcoran (2) and Alex Marriot-Mills were on target for Collegians but their Salendine Nook local rivals went one better thanks to goals from Elliot Ashmore, Callum Bates, Declan McParland and Charlie Harrison.
Skelmanthorpe Under 14s struggled to hold onto their Second Division status last season but, with four wins from their first four games, the future is looking a lot brighter.
A 6-1 win at Netherton gave them another three points thanks to goals from Ryan Van Leeuon (2), Adam Pitt, Colm Everett and Sam Crowther.
Netherton’s only reply came from Matthew Jones.
With three wins from their first three games, Lepton Highlanders Under 17s couldn’t have wished for a better start to the season.
Last year’s Under 16 champions had already enjoyed wins over Athersley and title rivals Silkstone before their meeting with Clifton Rangers.
Despite conceding a goal from Clifton’s Matthew Richardson, the Highlanders went on to complete a 5-1 victory with a hat trick from Adam Hill and one each for Craig Burns and Jack Harrison.
Linthwaite Under 11s are another side making a flying start to the season and their latest 5-2 victory over Batley keeps them comfortably sitting at the top of Division II.
An own goal didn’t help Batley’s challenge which was finished off with further goals from Luke Lambert (2), Bayley Tyndall and Dray Marren to give Linthwaite maximum points for the season so far.
