SILSDEN WHITESTAR continued their strong start in the Craven League Premier Division, winning twice over the last week to open up a four-point gap at the top of the table.

Jake Manditsch scored a brace, with former Steeton defender Sam Rooke also on the scoresheet as Sils built on a 1-0 half-time lead to beat hosts Grassington United 3-0 on Tuesday before Alfie Rutherford secured a 1-0 win at home to 10-man Baildon Trinity Athletic on Saturday.

Baildon had earlier picked up their first point of the season at home to AFC Crossleys on Tuesday, with the sides playing out a 1-1 draw after goals from Louis Francis and Sam Cole either side of the break.

Tom Hunter’s 24th-minute red card proved costly for Skipton Town on Wednesday, James Nelson (x2), James McDonald, and Max Foxworthy seeing hosts Cononley ease to a 4-1 win.

The rest of Saturday’s fixtures brought goals galore in the division, with Trent Coulter and Harrison Peckover both scoring twice as AFC Crossleys scored five second-half goals to thrash Cowling 6-1, while Josh Green’s hat-trick was the standout as Grassington United as they also hit bottom club Trawden Celtic Juniors Reserves for six.

The only midweek match in Division One produced a shock result, with Dylan Canny and David Greenwood on the scoresheet to help Grassington United Reserves move off the bottom of the table with a 2-1 win at third-placed Gargrave.

With leaders Silsden Whitestar out of action on Saturday, Barnoldswick Barons missed the chance to go top after they were only able to draw 3-3 with visitors Chatburn, Matt Blackwell scoring twice for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Jacob Hopper’s brace saw iPlay pick up their first win of the season after beating Grindleton 2-1, while Settle United Reserves and Salts 3rds played out a 1-1 draw.

In Division Two, Kallum Kirk’s hat-trick helped Otley Town 3rds pick up their second win of the campaign at home to Bradley, despite Ben Ramsden netting three of his own for the visitors.

Addingham also beat Sutton by the same 4-3 scoreline thanks to goals from Ian Horrocks (x2), Paul Petchey, and substitute John Craig.

Gary Shepherd’s 25-yard stunner helped to secure a first win of the season for Crosshills, who beat Barlick Wanderers 3-2, while Dan Paton’s double saw Rolls Reserves build on a 2-0 half-time lead to thrash Skipton Town Reserves 4-1.

Cowling Reserves and Carleton Sports 2nds were the only two Division Three sides in action on Thursday evening, with Jack Diamond, Michael Jon Hartley, and George Sellars all on target for the hosts in a 3-0 win.

However, Carleton’s performance on Saturday proved to be a complete contrast, Henry Day netting a deserved hat-trick before substitute Tommi Oddie helped to seal a comfortable 4-2 victory over hosts Weston Lane Juniors.

Barrowford United also earned a 3-2 win over fellow Lancastrians Colne United, goals from Rehman Arif, Michael Hodson, and Callum Thomas seeing them inflict a first defeat of the season on the hosts.