JUST A handful of sides were in action in the Craven League this weekend, with the wet weather continuing in the wake of Storms Dudley and Eunice for a third consecutive week.

In the only match in the Premier Division, Grassington United First moved to within a point of second-placed AFC Barnoldswick after a comfortable 5-1 win at home to Carleton Sports Club First.

Fred Midgley found the back of the net twice for the hosts, with top-scorer Kyun Ellison also on target with his 13th of a prolific season.

Will Atkinson’s goal proved to be a mere consolation for Carleton, who remain level with fifth-placed Cowling on 12 points.

High-fliers Baildon Trinity Athletic First suffered a scare in Division 1 but did just enough to extend their nine-match unbeaten run after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at Ingleton.

That slip-up though opened the door for Trawden Celtic Juniors Reserves, who moved level on points with Baildon after goals from Owen Deakin-Pickard and Jacob Karwcki saw them edge out Silsden Whitestar Reserves 2-1.

Settle United Reserves were also in action in the final first-round match of the division’s cup competition, sealing progression with a 3-0 victory against Chatburn.

Ruairi Coyle, George Gowland, and Liam Swanson were on the scoresheet for the hosts to set up a quarter-final tie with Grassington United Reserves, with a date for the match still to be confirmed.

Otley Town 3rds produced one of the performances of the day to claim the points at home to fourth-placed Hellifield Sports in Division 2.

Samual Holmes scored a brace, whilst substitute Elliott Ambrose also found the back of the net for the hosts, a 3-0 win seeing them become one of three sides level on 15 points at the bottom of the table as the relegation battle heats up.

Barlick Wanderers First also hit three against bottom side Cowling Reserves at Holt House, Jonathan Davies’ hat-trick securing the points for the Lancashire side.

Sutton Reserves were the only team in action in Division 3, moving off the foot of the table in style after a five-star performance at home to Weston Lane Juniors.

The hosts raced into a 4-1 lead at the interval before adding a further goal in the second half, with Ashley Painter, Josh Franklin, Will Bestwick, and substitute Chris Vollentine all finding the back of the net. Sides will be hoping that conditions improve and that they can return to action on Saturday. Another good weekend of CL football.  REPORT BY: EMMA KENNEDY