HENLEYS Athletic will face either Sportsmans FC or Broughton and Kirkby Hibs in the final of the League Challenge Cup next month after beating giantkillers Topcliffe 7-1 in last Sunday’s semi-final.

The side from Division Three had already beaten Stokesley SCandCroftfromDivisionOne on the way to the lastfour, but Henleys brought an end to their brave run in emphatic style. LeonRoberts struck four times, while Josh Knox, with two, and Andy Allen completed the scoring. Aaron Bumby grabbed the Topcliffe consolation.

In Division One, Robert Thompsons moved to within three points of the top with a 5-1home success againstlocal rivals Blue Star. The match was over as a contest within 20 minutes as Stu Rose struck a hat-trick and Adam Ryan scoredfromthepenalty spotto make it 4-0. Dave James pulled one back for Star just before the break but Rose completed the scoring with his fourth on the hour.

Stokesley SC virtually secured their Division One status with a 4-2 home victory over fellow strugglers Catterick Village. An early brace from Anthony Snook put the hosts in control, although Josh Wooff pulled a goal back for Village before the break. However, Jimmy Greening and Callum Cuthbert made it 4-1, before Michael Ingram grabbed a late Village reply.

Appleton Wiske are the new leaders of Division Two after a 4-2 home win against overnight leaders Travaux FC.

PeteHurry gave the visitors an early lead but a brace from Andy Cochrane and strikes from Dan Jones and Martin Sherrington sent Appy to the top. Nige Cole grabbed a late Travaux consolation.

Leyburn All-Stars are up to second after a 5-1 home win over fellow-promotion hopefuls Northallerton WMC.

James Stanger led the way with a hat-trick for Leyburn while Stephen Hunter and Paul Stevenson completed the scoring. Ross Hodgson netted for the Workies, although it was the not the result he was hoping for to celebrate his 29th birthday.

Cowtons moved into the top four despite being held to a 2-2 draw at Osmotherley FC.

First half goals from Shaun Harrison, directly from a corner, and Lee Holtby – after good work from Tom Harrison – lookedtohave given Ossie all threepoints,butMarkSimshit a second-half brace to give Cowtons a share of the spoils.

It is very tight at the top of the table now, as only four points separate the top seven clubs.

West Tanfield increased their lead atthe top of Division Three to 11 points with a 7-2 win at third-placed Golden Lion, Romanby. In a dress rehearsal for next month’s Scorpion Cup final, Duncan Terry fired Tanfield into an early lead, which Mike Cooper doubled from the penalty spot after he had been barged over in the area. Ross McSherry then made it 3-0 at the break, while Martin Mason struck twice in quick succession soon after the restarttomake it5-0.

Steve Wood pulled one back for the Lion, but McSherry turned home a cross from Leon Ofuonyemegi to make it 6-1 on the hour, before Joe Langthorne curled home a free kick for the hosts. However, the final word went to McSherry as he completed his hat-trick in the closing stages.

OsmotherleyRangersareup to fourth after an 8-2 win at Masham. Joe Starkie, Richard Thompson, Matty Lamb and Joe Hibbins all struck twice as Rangers eased to a comfortable victory. Jason Evans and Miles Johnson replied for Masham.

Station Hotel were also in the goals with an 8-0 win over Farmers Arms, Scorton. Liam Hall, Sam Dawson and Dean Hill all scored twice, while Lawrence Hindmarsh and AaronDavies werealsoontarget as Station won at a canter.

Elsewhere, Brompton FC beat County Arms 5-2. Shaun Nolan gave County an early lead but a brace from Joe Clarkson either side of the break turned the match in Brompton’s favour. Dean Wilson then made it 3-1 before Brad King pulled one back for County. However, Lee Shardha andChris Smithcompleted the scoring for Rangers in the closing stages.

An early goal from Dave Tennant was enough to give Masons Arms a 1-0 home victory over Jolly Minister.