Steeton stepped up their bid to return to the top flight of the West Riding County Amateur League with a 4-2 victory over DIVISION ONE promotion rivals Salts.

The win lifted Steeton top of the table on goal difference ahead of Hunsworth, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Dudley Hill Rangers.

The new leaders are now eight points clear of third-placed opponents Salts, with Graham Holmes (2), Lee Reilly and Andy Holden scoring in the first hour before Gareth Gott and Lee Grice reduced the arrears.

Long-time pacesetters Hunsworth had fallen two goals behind to Chris Gibbon and Ryan Templeton before Lee Padgett and Dale Wright hit back to prevent a first league defeat.

Ventus-Yeadon Celtic maintained their challenge with a 3-1 win at home to Eastmoor thanks to goals from Terry Hargreaves, Billy Swaitek and Gareth Clinch.

Fifth-placed Littletown had Lee McKeown (3), Jobie Terry (2), Scott Metcalfe and Duane Bywood on target in a 7-1 home romp against bottom side Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

Bronte Wanderers also boosted their promotion hopes with a 3-1 win at Overthorpe, goals coming from Ross Chapman, Dave Armstrong and Simeon Brown. Tyersal Reserves eased their relegation fears as Anthony Busfield’s hat-trick helped beat Heckmondwike Town 5-3.

Wibsey’s lead at the PREMIER DIVISION summit was cut to just two points after a 1-1 draw at Hall Green United as title rivals Albion Sports, Marsden and Bay Athletic all won.

It needed a Chris Wood equaliser to rescue a point for Wibsey after Clifton Firth had nudged Hall Green in front.

Albion fell behind at Lower Hopton to Andrew Stephenson’s goal but stormed back to win 5-1 with Alex Cusack (3) and Jordan Missin (2) sharing the goals. Marsden hit Halifax Irish for six without reply as Jason Battye’s four goals were backed up by a John Conheeney double.

Tyersal’s trip to defending champions Bay Athletic went unrewarded as the hosts won 4-1, with Ben Kendall’s opener wiped out by Steve Perrin (2), Brighton Mugadza and Kitson Gayle.

Joe Brown’s eighth goal of the season was enough to give Campion all three points with a 1-0 victory at Kirkburton. Any hopes West Horton had of winning promotion from DIVISION TWO were ended as second-placed Westbrook YMCA beat them 4-1.

Dudley Hill Athletic’s chances of repeating their 4-4 draw at leaders Bay Athletic Reserves earlier in the season were soon dispelled as Bay ran up an 8-0 victory. The first PREMIER DIVISION CUP semi-final takes place on Wednesday evening as Storthes Hall and Hall Green United meet at AFC Emley. The other last-four tie between Campion and Albion Sports is at Brighouse Town FC on Wednesday, March 31.

Also on Wednesday, Salts and Fields S&S meet at Eccleshill United in the BRADFORD & DISTRICT FA SATURDAY SENIOR CUP semi-finals. The second semi between Wibsey and Campion is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7 at Fields.