Harrogate and District League: Rawdon edge nearer to crown as United win Hampsthwaite duel

Rawdon survived the potentially tricky Knaresborough Celtic with a 2-1 win on Saturday to move five points clear in the race for the title.

Kirk Deighton Rangers remain lurking six points behind the leaders with a game in hand. And Dan Marshall’s men will be intent on knocking the stuffing out of their rivals in a Senior Cup semi-final this Saturday.

Kirkby Malzeard gave their relegation survival hopes a huge boost with a 3-2 victory over fourth-placed Clifford.

Malzeard leapfrogged Leyburn United and Beckwithshaw Saints into eighth after taking victory with a 75th minute goal.

Saints held seventh-placed Wetherby Athletic A 1-1, while Harlow Hill beat Leyburn 3-1.

In Division One, Hampsthwaite United took the honours in an unusually low-key Hampsthwaite Derby.

Hampsthwait FC have never managed to beat United since their formation in 2009 and with promotion looking all the more certain for United, it may well be some time until they get another chance.

The Reds opened the scoring when Stephen Trueman’s cross was put into his own net by an FC defender. Trueman officially hit the back of the net with United’s second and his 28th of the season before Charlie Hartley rounded off the scoring to send United 11 points clear.

Kirkstall Crusaders dropped two points with a 3-3 draw at Beckwithshaw Saints Reserves.

Pannal Sports Reserves’ impending relegation took another step closer with a 4-0 loss at Boroughbridge A.

Phil Wix slotted home a penalty before goals for Toby Hardaker, Ben Ryder and Liam Bannard sealed a win for Neil Greer’s Blues.

In Division Two, Ripon Red Arrows’ top of the table aspirations took a knock as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Bardsey Reserves.

AFC Horsforth took over top spot with a 4-3 win over wooden spoon favourites Otley Town A, benefitting from FC No Curfew’s cup exploits.