Wharfedale Triangle League Premier Division: Crossflatts Village 4 Keighley Athletic 2

LEE BAILEY'S welcome return from long-term injury was the difference as Crossflatts Village defeated their local rivals.

With several first-teamers unavailable, Village put out a patched-up side and Athletic started well but couldn't find a way past the home defence, which was excellently marshalled by centre back Olly Metcalfe.

Flatts then kicked into gear and went on a three-goal rampage before half-time, with Michael Garnett, Colin Schofield and James Gill finding the target.

The away side got back into it after the break with goals from Liam Fothergill and the impressive Callum Weir, as Village tired.

The game was evenly poised at 3-2 but then Bailey proved his class. The player known as 'The White Feather' won the ball in the middle of the park with a ferocious tackle. The ball then found its way to the experienced Ronnie Cartwright and the midfield maestro made no mistake. Bailey's match-winning contribution capped off an excellent hour's work for the evergreen midfielder.

The 37-year-old play-maker made his return to the side as a first-half substitute after two injury-plagued seasons, when Adam Rooney hobbled off with a knee injury.

Bailey said: "It was a relief to get back out there to be honest. I've had a nightmare with my back but I just need to work on my fitness and I will be back playing at my best in no time. I've got 60 or so minutes under my belt and it will do me good for the remainder of the season."

With the club still in the hunt for the league title, the league cup and the Keighley FA Sunday Cup, Village are keen on bolstering their squad.

Former fans favourite Josh Green appears to be the club's number one target. The likeable 26-year-old utility defender left under a bit of a cloud in the summer, having lost his form and fitness.

But Green has been working on his fitness and all-round game in the last six months and has impressed new manager Kevin Gill with his attitude in training.

Green was an integral part of the Village squad that won the Keighley FA Sunday Cup last season and is hoping to regain his first-team place.

He said: "I'd lost my confidence (at the end of last season) and I was out of shape. I dreaded getting the ball because I was so tired, which isn't very good for a full back. Now I am fighting fit, I've lost a stone and I am ready to go again."