Albion Sports’ gallant pursuit of West Riding County Amateur League leaders Bay Athletic was dealt a potentially lethal blow as the Huddersfield outfit won the battle of the top two 2-0.

Bay now hold a five-point lead at the PREMIER DIVISION summit and, with a game in hand, look certain to clinch a record-breaking fourth successive championship and fifth in six seasons.

Second-placed Albion had home advantage and went into Saturday’s make-or-break clash with high hopes of taking the title battle to the wire.

But after a goalless first half, Steve Perrin broke the deadlock 15 minutes after the interval and Kitson Gayle quickly added the second to break the Bradford side’s hearts.

At the other end of the table, Hall Green United’s 3-1 win at Steeton secured their place in the top flight for next season, while a remarkable 6-3 victory for Wibsey at Golcar United gave them the points required to stay up.

Hunsworth won 3-2 at Brighouse Town thanks to goals from Lee Brooks (2) and Steve Oakes but, after only one season in the Premier section, were confirmed as relegated alongside Tingley Athletic.

Salts’ hopes of clinching automatic promotion from DIVISION ONE were dashed as they lost 4-1 at home to Bay Athletic Reserves.

They must now beat Ventus/Yeadon Celtic on Wednesday night and hope second-placed Emley fail to beat Dudley Hill Rangers next weekend.

Leaders Littletown, who are still favourites to be promoted, had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw at Dudley Hill Rangers. At the foot of the table, both Overthorpe and Heckmondwike Town won to improve their chances of avoiding relegation.

Overthorpe beat Westbrook YMCA 4-2, while Town crushed Bronte Wanderers 5-0 thanks to Elliott Williams’ hat-trick and further goals from Lee Evans and Rob Hiscox. But bottom side Eastmoor cannot avoid the drop after losing 6-1 at Emley.

Four Ashley Flynn goals and two by Anthony Haigh boosted league newcomers Lepton Highlanders to an 8-1 humbling of second-bottom Crag Road United as they closed in on automatic promotion from DIVISION TWO.

Leaders Storthes Hall Reserves won 2-0 at Long Lee with goals from Dave Jowett and Paul Watson. But West Horton’s outside chance of promotion ended with a 4-2 loss at Huddersfield YMCA.