Harrogate League: Kirk Deighton Rangers feeling Raw as Hampsthwaite United close on promotion

Rawdon Old Boys dealt a devastating blow to Kirk Deighton Rangers’ Harrogate and District League title aspirations with a 2-1 win in the title crunch on Saturday.
Hampsthwaite United's Jono Way leads a teamtalkHampsthwaite United's Jono Way leads a teamtalk
Hampsthwaite United's Jono Way leads a teamtalk

Influential marksmen Olly Aspy had given Rangers the advantage in the first half before Rawdon struck back through Scott Norton close to the break.

An even contest was then decided with five minutes remaining as Old Boys number nine Oli Leslie sealed the win.

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Rawdon now hold a three-point advantage over Rangers with just three fixtures left.

Kirk Deighton boss Dan Marshall , who missed the match through illness, said: “It’s there’s to lose.

“It’s out of our hands but we still have to make sure that when our league games come around again, we win, but we may have to look at other targets now.”

Bedale Town improved their hopes with a comfortable 2-0 win over Leyburn United, whole Kirkby Malzeard improved their survival hopes with a 3-2 win over sixth-placed Harlow Hill.

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Clifford came from 2-0 down with 25 minutes to go to beat bottom side Pannal Sports 3-2.

Sports were well placed to collect only their second win of the season until goals from Sam Farthing and Tom Deighton levelled proceedings. A Christian Derrick wonder strike won it for Clifford.

In Division One, Hampsthwaite United move to the brink of ending a 15-year exodus from the top tier after beating title rivals Kirkstall Crusaders 2-1 on Saturday.

Stephen Trueman’s 27th goal of the campaign opened the scoring for United, after Charlie Hartley fed him through from Anthony Mezzela’s quick throw.

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The momentum was with the visitors and Adam Pawson smashed home a sublime volley to double the lead.

A wondersave from United stopper Mike Jauncey kept United two clear. Kirkstall eventually socred in the 82nd minute, but the hosts failed to find a late equaliser.

The three points took Hamps nine points clear of Kirkstall, having played three games more.

United manager Jono Way said: “It was a massive win but we won’t get complacent.

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“However, I think it’s fair to say we’ve all but achieved our goal of a return to the Premier.” after a 15 year wait. “There are seven games to play including Kirkstall at home. The title is currently in our hands I’m sure Kirkstall will feel the same way.”

Meanwhile, Pannal Sport Reserves look doomed to relegation to DivisioN Two after a 5-1 defeat against Beckwithshaw Saints Reserves.

Ripon Red Arrows lost ground in the Division Two title race after a succumbing to a 9-4 defeat at Pool.