Draw suits Ryburn in title race

It finished 1-1, Tom Robinson scoring for the hosts and Christian Silkstone for Ryburn, who finished the night the happier.

Both teams have two Premier Division games left and Ryburn have one point more than Challenge Cup finalists Stump and a far superior goal difference.

Ryburn go to Hebden Royd Red Star on Saturday and then host deposed champions Midgley United at home a week later.

Stump have home games against Copley United on Saturday and Greetland next Wednesday.

Holmfield are relegated from the Premier after losing 4-3 for the second time in five days.

They lost by that score away to Elland United on Saturday and a similar defeat away to Hebden Royd Red Star last night sealed their fate.

James Chadwick scored a hat-trick and Lewis Cockroft got Star’s other goal, Holmfield replying through Danny Kirman (two) and Dave Heslop.

Victory took Star back above next-to-bottom Sowerby Bridge, whose survival chances now look slim.

Fourth-from-bottom Sowerby United, who play Bridge next Wedenesday, inched nearer safety with a goalless draw at home to Calder ‘76 last night.

Four goals from Carlton Balmer helped Elland United win 7-2 away to fellow mid-table side King Cross Warley in last night’s other Premier Division contest.

Division Two champions AFC Crossleys had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their final league match away to Denholme Reserves, Adam Gill scoring for the hosts and Richard Stock hitting the target for Crossleys.