H & D LEAGUE: Five-star Celtic re-claim top spot

Brian Davey’s side leapfrogged Kirk Deighton Rangers following the victory and now lead the way by two points, however they have played two games more than their nearest rivals.

“This was a good result for us, we took command from the start, took our chances and defended well.

“All we can do now is win our last game with Burley Trojans which will leave Kirk Deighton needing victories from two of their last three fixtures.

“They’ve got tough matches away at Hampsthwaite and Bedale, so we’ve still got a chance [of finishing top].”

Sam Davey handed the Celts a first-half lead in Saturday’s clash at Thistle Hill and George Tyreman doubled the lead before the interval with a fine strike from 20 yards out.

Luke Stewart and Tom Durrance were on target in the second period before Simon Swales rounded things off from the penalty spot.

Elsewhere, bottom side Kirkby Malzeard picked up just their fourth point of the season courtesy of a 2-2 home draw with Harlow Hill.

Duncan Terry and Reece Windle struck for Kirkby who are now level in the league standings with second-from-bottom Pannal.

In Division One, Helperby United climbed to third in the table when they got back to winning ways, seeing off struggling Boroughbridge on home soil.

Chris Simpson led the way with a hat-trick and Simon Webster (2) and Daniel Martson also netted in a 6-2 triumph.

Chris Chapman and Niki Westbury got their names on the score-sheet for ‘Bridge.

Beckwithshaw Saints Reserves escaped the bottom two, edging out Bramhope 2-1.

James Ford hit both of the Saints’ goals while Leon Rodman bagged for the visitors.

Dalton Athletic bounced back from successive defeats with a 7-3 success over Addingham.

Steve Hunt, Jack Mawson and Tom Cockerham were on target for the away side in a losing cause.

In their Supplementary Cup clash, Bardsey were 3-0 victors on the road at second division Pannal Sports Reserves.