Addingham........4

Bradley..............1

ADDINGHAM consolidated their leadership of the Craven League Division One with another comfortable win, albeit a slightly disjointed performance.

On Saturday Bradley, despite being second top scorers in the division, rarerly threatened Andy Dobson's goal but rather than dominate with quality football Addingham played in fits and starts and a better opposition would have asked some serious questions.

The day started badly with Peter Smale failing a fitness test but that was soon forgotten as Addingham, wearing their new kit sponsored by Dick Barrow of the Swan, took to the field on a lovely, crisp March afternoon.

Addingham started with a 3-4-3 formation looking to attack from the outset but whether it was the recent lack of match action or the new line up which affected their performance it was not clear.

The best chance of the opening 20 minutes fell to Bradley and indecision in the Addingham defence let in Walker for what appeared a sitter but the striker completely mis-cued and fired wide from four yards.

Wild, Barrow and Collins up front were starting to cause problems but an apparent lack of awareness often saw the strikers selecting the wrong option. The overall pattern was still showing the home side holding all the aces and as the half drew to a close Danny Houlbrook put the league leaders in front.

Greg Palmer curled in a lovely cross that Kevin Bates in goal failed to hold and Houlbrook gobbled up the 'keeper's error.

The scoreline was somewhat flattering and the players were left in no doubt at half-time that a better performance was required.

Addingham upped the pace and things appeared to be going well until Bradley hit on the counter, Robinson gave Dobson no chance with a lovely drive from 18 yards.

In truth even at this early stage it was no more than a consolation as Addingham were well on top.

Having been largely ineffective up to that point Jamie Barrow stole the next five minutes with a real Jekyll and Hyde display. Firstly be was needlessly cautioned for dissent - a fifth booking that brings a one match ban - and then he collected the ball wide left, drifted inside past two defenders and then hit an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.

Five minutes later the points were almost assured when Brian Wild tapped home from two yards after good work by Barrow.

Bradley, with nothing to lose, threw caution to the wind and piled on the pressure. Their reward was a penalty as Boyce handled. Boyce escaped with no more than a ticking off and then Dobson made a stunning save from the spot kick.

The wind was well and truly knocked from Bradley's sails. John Cummings hit a wicked free-kick which was parried to Simon Collins who netted the rebound.

With the game won manager Mark Ridley took to the field for the first time this season and showed just what the team had been missing, his great strengths - pace and close control - which were soon on show and only some fine defending robbed him of the goals his skill deserved. Barrow gained match point.

Addingham Reserves saw their recent superb run halted when they surrendered a two goal lead to draw 2-2 with Intake but with leaders Ilkley Youth starting to crack Addingham are still in with a shout.

l Saturday's fixtures are yet to be arranged so all players should meet at the Swan.

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