Rodgers strikes late for Midgley

They made it two wins out of two on Friday with home wins, 2012-2013 champions Midgley beat derby rivals Calder ‘76 1-0 with a late goal from Calum Rodgers and Challenge Cup holders Stump Cross getting the better of Elland United by 5-3.

Midgley started the stronger but it developed into an even contest and chances were at a premium with both defences strong.

Midgley’s Rob Stansfield had a goal ruled out for a push on the ‘keeper and the home side had a penalty appeal turned down by the unsighted referee.

With time running out, George Bamford went through one-on-one and although his effort was blocked by Warren Clayton, Rodgers put the ball through the ‘keeper’s legs.

Steve Fullard, who has scored plenty of goals for Ovenden West Riding down the years, bagged two for Stump in their win, a return matched by Elland’s Adam Goldthorpe.

Champions Ryburn United are already five points behind the leading pair, following up their opening defeat against Shelf United with a 3-3 draw at Greetland.

Last year’s Premier top gun Christian Silkstone bagged two while Niall Carrington netted twice for Greetland.

Sowerby United just did enough to avoid the drop last season but they have lost their first two this time.

Hebden Royd Red Star bounced back from an earlier mauling by Midgley to beat Sowerby 3-1 with goals from Lewis Cockroft, Ben Norman and Patrick Thomas which more than cancelled out one from evergreen Garry Boyd.

Warley Rangers edged out Copley United 4-3 with the help of a brace from Tom Hiley.

Holmfield made it 19 goals in three games since relegation from the top flight with a 9-2 mauling of AFC Crossleys, Damian Randall bagging a hat-trick and Patrick Fitzgibbon two.

Mixenden United also have nine points after Dan Johnson, Billy Riley and Travis Allison netted in the 3-1 win away to Greetland Reserves the following day.

Sowerby Bridge head the chasing group on six points after Luke Maguire’s two goals helped them win 4-0 at Stainland, who are one of four sides in the first division still seeking a point.

Midgley Reserves are in the same boat as Stainland, a late goal from Elland Allstars’ big frontrunner Chris Haigh condemning them to a second successive 1-0 defeat.

Shelf FC ran riot away to Denholme United Reserves and show the way in Division Two.

Adam Fox, Dan Phipps, Ben Ireland and Harry Talbot each scored twice in a 10-1 romp at Foster Park.

Northowram Reserves picked up their second successive win with a 7-5 home victory over West Central.

They led 4-1 at the interval before West Central, playing up the slope, scored three times in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

It went to 5-5 before an own goal and a last-minute effort from influential substitute Danny King saw the Rams over the winning line.