Phoenix extended their lead at the top of the premier Division with an impressive 3-1 victory at Littletown.

The Keighley side soon stamped their impression on the game with a well worked free kick after Danny Spencer was tackled from behind. Mark Atkins took the kick and found Dale Hoyle who headed on for Michael Gilmartin to score from close range.

Littletown found it difficult to break down the Phoenix defence and went further ahead when Rob Horton won possession in defence and punched the ball forward for Hoyle to shoot over the keeper from 30 yards.

They continued to create chance after chance in the second half with Jimmy Spencer and Ben Furness coming close to scoring. A five man move starting on the left put Hoyle in with a chance, but the keeper turned it round the post for a corner.

After 26 minutes of the second half Gilmartin picked the ball up on the left and beat two men before finding Bryceland who was tackled, but Hoyle picked up the loose ball and slipped round two defenders to score in the corner.

Littletown scored a consolation goal after a rare error in the Phoenix defence failed to clear a corner, allowing substitute Paul Robbins to poke the ball through a crowd of players.

Phoenix entertain Brighouse Town in a top versus second placed match at Marley tomorrow (Saturday), kick off 2.30pm.

Silsden continued their march to the Second Division title with a 3-0 derby victory over Phoenix Reserves. Andy Geary scored two and Jimmy Hedges was also on target.

Keighley Shamrocks kept up their chase in second place with a 1-0 victory over Dudley Hill. Gavin Thompson scored the only goal of the match.

John Spurr enjoyed a fine game in midfield and Dave Hannan kept the Shamrock's defence on its toes with a splendid performance at the back.

Shamrocks are now three games away from promotion to the first division after five years of trying.

Steeton slipped a place as they struggle in the relegation zone, going down 4-0 to Hunsworth.

Honours were even in the Reserve Division battle between Shamrocks and Steeton. Adam Fradley put Shamrocks ahead in the first half with a goal which curled in off the post.

Sixteen-year-old Johnny Ellison hit back with an equaliser after the break, giving the keeper no chance with his fierce shot.

Shamrocks peppered the Steeton keeper with shots, but he stood his ground in a fine performance. Steeton also missed a number of chances in a hectic last five minutes.

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