Steeton boosted their West Riding County Amateur League goal difference with a 9-0 thrashing of Kirkburton – only for title rivals Ovenden West Riding to almost double that tally.

The outcome of the Premier Division championship could easily boil down to the narrowest of margins, with Ovenden having started the day on the same number of points as Steeton but with a one-goal advantage.

Steeton must have thought they had boosted their chances as they hit visiting Kirkburton for nine without reply as Chris Simpson and Lee Reilly notched hat-tricks backed up by Andy Holden, Arley Barnes and Jamie Longley.

But Ovenden responded in style as they crushed bottom side Overthorpe 17-0 led by seven-goal Steve Fullard. Damian Randall added four, with Carlton Pownall (2), Steve Senior (2), John Booth and Isaac Nicholl completing the tally.

Third-placed Bay Athletic, who were involved in Huddersfield FA Cup action at the weekend, now trail by five points but have three games in hand as well as a comparable goal difference.

Tyersal climbed to fourth place with a 4-2 victory at Storthes Hall thanks to goals by Damian Rushworth, Andrew Bailey, Alan Morley and Luke Hunter.

Salts slipped to fifth after losing 4-1 at Golcar United, who rose to sixth with Dean Wareham (2), John McAliskey and Josh Kilburn on target. Sam Waterhouse netted the consolation.

Campion let slip a 3-1 interval advantage at home to fellow strugglers Littletown to share the spoils with a 3-3 draw.

Mamadouch Barry, Andy Benjamin and Brett Missin struck for Campion but Blake Maude, Lamin Bojang and Irfane Khan replied.

Division One leaders Huddersfield YMCA moved closer to securing the title and a place in the top-flight next season with a 4-0 home win over second-bottom Tingley Athletic.

But Hunsworth, who have played two games more than YMCA, stayed in contention four points behind with a 2-1 victory at AFC Emley as Joel Farrar and Dale Wright overturned Oliver Ghee’s opener.

Halifax Irish improved their outside promotion chances with a 2-0 success at home to Lower Hopton, while mid-table Wibsey beat Westbrook YMCA with goals from Jamie Brennan, Joe Crossland and Dave Loxam.

Bay Athletic Reserves slipped to their first Division Two home defeat of the season as West Horton beat them 4-0 with strikes from Usman Khan, Kamran Khan, Tahir Khan and Idris Rajas.

Second-placed Salts Reserves remain in touch with leaders Bay after seeing off Golcar United Reserves 6-0, with Richard Magson’s hat-trick supported by Jake Shepherd, Ryan Bogyslawski and an own goal.

* The Premier Division Cup semi-finals will be played on Wednesday (6.30pm), with Steeton meeting Golcar United at Manningham Mills and holders Ovenden West Riding facing Hall Green United at Beck Lane in Heckmondwike.