TWO defeats in a week have deal Phoenix's hopes of defending their championship title a severe blow.

On Saturday they were looking to extend their winning run to seven matches, but ran into the might of third-placed Brighouse Town. Despite a tough battle they could not break down the Brighouse defence and Town scored a second half goal to steal victory.

The Keighley side was still suffering from the hangover of that defeat when they met Stump Cross on Wednesday night and again failed to find the net. Once again they played out a goalless first half but the extra fitness of the home side took its toll with two second half goals to leapfrog over Phoenix in the table.

Silsden remain clear at the top of Division One on 46 points despite not playing while Keighley Shamrocks continued their late run. They beat Ardsley Celtic 3-1 on Saturday with Howard Wellwood scoring twice and John Spurr adding a single strike.

Steeton also improved their position in Division Two with an impressive victory over third placed Wakefield City. The Summerhill Lane side's goals were scored by J Gill, D Whiteoak and D Gouiosi.

Phoenix Reserves played out a 1-1 draw with Ovenden West Riding Reserves on Wednesday and Silsden Reserves recorded a 2-1 victory over Salt Old Boys thanks to goals from J Hindle and G Whitaker.