Shelf are third but a 3-2 home defeat against Midgley Utd two weeks ago meant they lost close touch with the top two and the setback made a dent in their title chances. They have won eight and lost four and were on a winning run immediately prior to the Midgley defeat.

The terrific 7-0 win over Denholme Utd last Saturday lifted the Rams to third from bottom on goal difference, with the bottom three clubs now all having the same number of points. Incidentally, the game was one of only two games played last week, the other being on the artificial surface at Lightcliffe.

There is another tricky away trip the following week to Midgley after which there remains only three games, a return match against Midgley plus Red Star(h) and Illingworth(a). The players will be bouyed by last week's performance but need to pick up further points.