Keswick and Appleby continued to battle it out at the top of James Cropper Westmorland League Division One after both sides picked up important victories.

Keswick who are five points clear at the top defeated relegation threatened Sedbergh Wanderers 3-0.

Sedbergh despite their predicament at the foot of the table competed and tested Keswick, however the hosts prevailed through a brace by Steve Hindmarch and a goal by Alfie West.

Appleby were given a stern test of their title credentials as they picked up a hard fought 3-2 win at newly promoted Endmoor KGR.

Appleby who lost to Endmoor in the reverse tie a few weeks ago were certainly given a tough challenge by Graham Sills Team. However Appleby prevailed thanks to an own goal and goals by Jordan Crawford and Dan Robinson.

In the other games, Kirkoswald defeated Ibis 7-4. Niall Renwick scored 4, while Lewis Renvoize fired in a hat trick. Ibis scored their consolations through Ben Barrow, Cory Robinson, Tim Blamire and Luke Deveney.

Jordan Palmers hat trick guided Shap to a crucial 4-1 win against relegation rivals Ambleside United, While Windermere picked up a comfortable 4-1 win at Kendal County Reserve.

In Division Two, Kendal United Reserve continued their good run of form with an emphatic 5-0 win at Windermere Reserve. James Pattison, Brett Walker, Matt Kennedy, Cameron Toal Lim and Aiden Dent with the goals.

Staveley United registered their first win of the season after a hard fought 2-0 victory over Ullswater United, while Keswick Reserve defeated Greystoke 3-0.

Matt Branthwaite five goals and Andy Lockhart’s hat trick guided Kirkby Stephen to a 12-1 rout at Ambleside United Reserve in Division Three. Kirkby who are now one point clear at the top ran riot, before Dan Robinson, James Cooper, Callum Holmes and Dean Scott completed the scoring.

Ibis Reserve were held to a 4-4 draw at home to Endmoor KGR Reserve.

Dan Jones scored a brace for the hosts, while Brodie Nicholson was also on the score sheet. Endmoor replied through a Sam Wilson hat trick and a clinical strike by Chris Bell.

Penrith Royal edged out Burneside 5-4,Lunesdale United defeated Kirkoswald Reserve 3-1,Langwathby United saw off Penrith Academy 2-1 while the game between Sedbergh Wanderers Reserve and Penrith Saints was abandoned after 50 minutes when the air ambulance had to land on the pitch following a serious injury to a local woman. Sedbergh were 5-0 up at the time of the incident.

In the Benevolent Trophy Dent defeated Wetherigg United 3-1, while in the junior Cup Braithwate saw off AFC Carlisle 3-1, Carleton Banks defeated Castletown United 3-2, while Kirkby Lonsdale progressed following a 4-1 win after extra time against Appleby Reserve.