SILSDEN Whitestar, who hadn't played for three weeks in the league, strengthened their championship claims with a 5-3 home victory over Wilsden Athletic in the Premier Division of the Skipton Body Repair Centre Craven League.

Sam Stansfield (2), Josh McNulty and Gavin Shearer were among Whitestar's marksmen as they climbed from fourth to third.

They have two games in hand over second-placed Rolls, who are only a point ahead, while the main threats to Whitestar remain leaders Settle United, who are four points ahead having played a game more.

Whitestar Reserves, who are chasing promotion from Division Three, are also through to the semi-finals of the Division Three Cup, where they will be at home to Bingley Juniors Reserves.

In the other semi-final, Salts, who beat Horton 3-2 at the weekend in their quarter-final, will travel to either leaders Ilkley or Cowling Reserves, who play their quarter-final on Saturday at Ilkley Grammar School Playing Fields (1.30).