The Smiths on song as Rangers bag ninth win

Rob Smith led the way with a brace, while Jack Smith and Michael Thompson also netted to ensure Rangers took full advantage of nearest rivals AFC Ossett not being in action.

Crackenedge are third, nine points behind Rangers with three games in hand, as they maintained the pressure on the top two with an impressive 6-1 victory over Eastmoor.

Crackenedge are just four points behind AFC Ossett with two games in hand and they host Ossett Dynamos in the League Cup this weekend.

FC Gawthorpe moved to within two points of the Premier Division’s top two sides thanks to an impressive 6-0 win over Seacroft.

Leaders Beechwood Gate were not in league action last weekend, while second placed Crofton Sports were held to a 1-1 draw by Prince of Wales, allowing Gawthorpe to close in on the front runners.

Dewsbury Rangers Reserves suffered a 12th straight defeat in Division Three, going down 5-2 at home to second placed Ryhill.

Howden Clough’s West Riding County Challenge Cup tie away to Oxenhope Recreation was abandoned last Saturday.

The eventual winners of the last 16 clash have been drawn away to Settle United in the quarter-finals, which are scheduled to take place on Saturday February 2.

All last week’s West Riding County Sunday Cup fourth round ties were postponed and have been re-arranged for this Sunday.

The games include Heavy Woollen Sunday League Premier Division leaders Birkenshaw’s trip to King George and champions St John Fisher OB’s home game with Peel Park.

Woodman Batley Carr are the Heavy Woollen League’s third representatives and they entertain Sherwood.

Heavy Woollen League Division One high fliers Town Rangers bowed out of the West Riding County Sunday Trophy, losing their fourth round tie 4-0 at home to Queen, while Clifton Rangers’ tie with Linthwaite was postponed and has been re-arranged for this Sunday.

Dewsbury Rangers are the only local side through to the WR County Under-16s Cup fourth round and they travel to Pannal Sports on Sunday after last week’s scheduled game fell victim to the freezing temperatures.