Valley and Brown Cow defy weather

Only two Ziggys Metro Cars Halifax Sunday League games survived the latest freeze - and both were important for teams at the top of Divisions One and Two respectively.

Ryburn Valley moved to within a point of Division One leaders Mount Tabor courtesy of a 2-0 win at fourth-placed North Bridge.

With the temperature touching zero an uneventful first half ended with honours even.

The second half looked to be heading for the same outcome had it not been for two fine runs by Ashley Halstead who, receiving the ball from a pass through the defence, took it though the remaining defenders and slotted home into the corner of the goal.

With just two teams going up to the Premier at the end of the season, Valley will be hoping they can keep their decent run going

Brown Cow took full advantage of their rivals’ inactivity to stretch eight points clear at the top of Division Two following a comprehensive 8-1 home win over a spirited and enthusiastic Halifax Rangers side.

Brown Cow only had 10 men but they still had enough strength to see off their visitors.

After an early morning pitch inspection both teams were keen to play. Scott Carney began the scoring with a fine run and finish before Trevor Jones broke his recent drought to double the advantage.

Matt Bodkins, playing his first game since November, scored with a stunning strike before Tom Robinson, not to be outdone, scored with an equally good effort to make it 4-0.

Scott Carney added his second just before the break when, after leaving the Rangers back line on the deck, he chipped the grounded keeper.

Rangers pulled one back from a second half free-kick free kick after Cow’s keeper had spilled the ball. Man of the match Kyle Tyers then added number six before utility man Scott Cartman added a late double to overtake his assistant manager Ross Ashcroft in the goalscoring stakes.

Ashcroft has yet to get off the mark for the season. FIXTURES Briggs Priestley Senior Cup - Quarter finals: Elland Sports v Feathers, FC Bowling Green v Waiters Arms, Hollins Holme v Carrington, Lee Mount v Halifax Hammers Ziggys Metro Cars Halifax Sunday League Division One: Mount Tabor v Royd Club, Rastrick Bowling Club v Top Club, Ryburn United v Queens Head, Ryburn Valley v Bradshaw, Triangle v North Bridge. Division Two: Halifax Hammers Reserves v Ma Bakers, King Cross Park v Weavers, North Bridge Reserves v Plummet Line, Ovenden Phoenix v Beehive & Crosskeys, St Columbas v Halifax Rangers.

Tom Robinson (right) was on target for Brown Cow on Sunday