2025 got off to a quieter start in the NCEL than expected on Saturday as adverse weather put paid to all but six games in what should have been a full programme of matches to kick off the brand new year.

Silsden AFC conceded first at home to Bottesford Town but went on to win 4-2 to return to the top of the Premier Division.

Aristides Cunha broke the deadlock for the Poachers in the third minute but the hosts turned the game around to lead 3-1 by half-time with Kayle Price's leveller added to by a double from Casey Stewart.

Cody Cromack added their fourth before Lewis Smith doubled the visitors' tally in the 66th minute.

Beverley Town have tightened their grip on fourth spot after their 5-2 home victory over Eccleshill United in a game where six of the seven goals came in the opening period.

Glen Sani and McCauley Snelgrove struck to give the home side a two goal cushion by the thirteenth minute before Talent Ndlovu halved the deficit from the penalty spot.

But, a Luke Suluburic strike, an own goal from Ndlovu and Snelgrove's second meant that the Beavers led 5-1 at the interval with Ndlovu's second spot-kick ending up the only addition to the scoreline in the second half.

Handsworth won by the same scoreline to climb into eighth whilst their visitors Penistone Church missed out on a chance to move into the top five.

Harry Jessop and Thomas Cropper struck early on for the Ambers who led 2-1 at the break with Church pulling one back from the penalty spot through Nathan Keightley.

Kieran Ryan levelled matters around the hour mark but Handsworth took the points with three goals in the final twenty minutes from Scott Ruthven, Ben Harriott and Mitchell Dunne.

Meanwhile, Souleymane Coulibaly's first half strike was enough for Pickering Town as they won 1-0 at home to Parkgate, lifting the Pikes above their opponents into eleventh position.

In Division One, Wakefield AFC have stretched their unbeaten run to eleven games with a 1-0 victory at leaders Horbury Town.

Curtis Morrison's eleventh minute strike claimed the points for the visitors who move up into fifth spot.

It was a record attendance of 545 for Horbury who have now lost three of their last four games but remain fourteen points clear at the summit.

And, Ilkley Town are up to fourth in the table after their 3-0 home win over Swallownest.

An own goal was the first half breakthrough with Thierry Hendrickson and Luke Baldwin securing the victory for Sam Dexter's side after the break.

Photo: Thomas Cropper scores Handsworth's second goal in their 5-2 home victory over Penistone Church in the NCEL Premier Division on Saturday afternoon. (Picture: Ken Allsebrook)