THE Craven Challenge Cup competition was kick-started last Saturday with four first round games.

Last season’s beaten finalists Skipton LMS had a comfortable victory at Skipton Body Repair Centre Craven League Division Three club Horton, with a resounding 10-0 win.

Striker Matthew Simpson led the way for LMS with a quartet of goals.

There was a much closer game at Carleton with the home side registering a 4-3 win against newcomers AFC Barnoldswick. Stuart Gee, Robert Bradley and two own goals made up the Carleton goal tally.

Earby Town, courtesy of a Michael Hall brace, secured a 2-0 win against Embsay.

Barlick Wanderers suffered a 5-1 home defeat against Premier team Grindleton. The scoreline did not reflect Barlick’s gutsy performance.

Due to a shortage of referees the Cononley Sports v Settle United game was postponed. The acute shortage of match officials will be discussed at the Craven FA’s next Executive Meeting in the hope a solution can be found to this problem.

They will also be reviewing the FA’s mandatory additions to District FA Competition Rules.