Skipton Bulldogs clinched the Craven & District League Silentnight Premier Division title on Tuesday night in the manner of champions, a 10-0 victory over neighbours Skipton LMS making them impregnable at the top of the table.

While it is still mathematically possible for Cross Hills to beat them, with a four point advantage and a 70-goal margin in goals scored against goals conceded, there is no realistic way in which the Dogs can be denied.

Second placed Cross Hills had LMS to play this week, while both sides have an outstanding fixture against Colne CC, although there is little prospect of those games going ahead.

Craven League officials have been told by the Lancashire County FA hierarchy that Colne must be given until the end of the season - a week tomorrow - to discharge their outstanding debts and only then can they be evicted from the league.

Cross Hills claimed their final place with a 1-0 win over Clitheroe in a keenly-fought tussle, while Bulldogs beat a gallant Carleton 2-0 with goals from Ian Bernard and Jimmy McConville.

With the defending champions assured of their title, it seems unlikely that the outstanding league game between the pair scheduled for next Wednesday will go ahead, especially since the two clubs will meet at Barnoldswick United on Monday night (6.30) in the final of the Northern Plant Hire Challenge Trophy.

While Bulldogs made sure of the title, Bronte Wanderers duly collected the points they needed when they defeat title challengers Skipton Town 3-0 to clinch promotion for the second successive season. They are now looking for a league and Cup double when they meet Carleton at Cross Hills on Wednesday.

Carleton need to win one of their three remaining games to take runners up spot. If they falter, Bradley can pip them with a four-match wining sequence.

In the Division Two final, Lothersdale Athletic claimed a 4-1 win over Skipton LMS Reserves after being 2-0 up at the break, while the Premier Division final was a much closer affair as Oxenhope Recreation took the trophy with the only goal against Clitheroe, young Ben White heading home the winner with some aplomb.