BOLTON Woods Sabres have strengthened their case for finishing runners-up in Craven, Aire & Wharfe League Under-13 Division B after a double-header against Farsley Celtic Colts.
Celtic keeper Konner Lancaster proved a thorn in Sabres' side all day, tipping the ball around a post in the first match when Alex Gibson's chip-shot took a wicked bounce.
Sabres' Lewis Melvin also had a goal ruled out for offside in a 0-0 draw, which was summed up by the midfield equality between Brandon Borza (Sabres) and Oliver Heath.
Lancaster was again in top form in the second match, denying Sabres captain Matthew Ham from a chip and McKenzie Lister from a looping shot that caught the wind.
Theo Cokewright also had an effort blocked before his brother Thomas sprinted on to man of the match Gibson's through ball and slotted the ball past the on-rushing Lancaster for the only goal of the match.
Sabres climbed to second place in the table behind champions Settle United but Woods can still be caught by Nab Wood.
Second-placed Bradford United Raptors continue to put the pressure on Eccleshill United in Division 12B, closing to within a point of the leaders after a 1-0 victory at fifth-placed Bradford Horton Sports.
The only goal came from a powerful run by Harrison Mercer, who took the ball into the box and laid it across goal for James Hebb to tap in.
In the second half, Bradford Horton piled on the pressure but Haris Cradock and Rhys Sanasy were strong in defence, a number of last-ditch tackles securing the win.
Bradford Park Avenue's hold on third place in Under-12 Division B of the Huddersfield RCD League is vulnerable after they lost 6-1 at Brighouse Sports.
Things failed to click no matter what Avenue tried, but at least they managed a superb goal by Ellis Martin, and Thomas Taylor was man of the match.
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