LEEDS UNITED, aiming for a return to the Premier League, signed striker Joel Piroe from Swansea City last August for an undisclosed fee, potentially rising to over £10m, dependent on their promotion success. The deal included a significant £2m add-on should Leeds secure their spot in the top flight, highlighting the club’s confidence in Piroe’s ability to influence their campaign.

As Leeds prepares for a crucial Championship play-off semi-final against Norwich City this Sunday, the team’s recent performances suggest they are well-positioned for a critical battle. Norwich, under manager Daniel Farke, has experienced a downturn in form, losing four of their final six regular-season games, which saw them finish third, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion.

Piroe, a Dutch forward who notably netted 46 goals over two seasons with Swansea, has since added 13 goals in 46 appearances for Leeds, 32 of which were starts. His goal-scoring prowess will be pivotal as Leeds seek to overcome Norwich in the upcoming clash.

The outcome of the semi-final could set up a dramatic encounter with either Southampton or West Bromwich Albion in the Championship play-off final scheduled for Sunday, 26 May. Leeds fans are hopeful that the team, bolstered by Piroe’s contributions, will navigate through these decisive matches to regain their Premier League status. As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Piroe and his teammates to deliver performances that could define their season and possibly secure a lucrative promotion reward for the club.

OSAIN PRYCE is eyeing his second British Rally Championship (BRC) title after a recording a superb victory in the Severn Valley Stages.

The Welsh star and co-driver Rhodri Evans finished 20 seconds ahead of Irish driver William Creighton, with championship leader Chris Ingram claiming third place.

The result left Pryce 15 points adrift of Ingram after two rounds and boosted his chances of adding to his 2022 British title success.

Pryce was excellent in his Ford Fiesta Rally2, wowing the sizeable crowds who lined iconic stages such as Hafren Sweet Lamb and Myherin.

The Welshman established an early lead over Ingram before withstanding a charge by Creighton to claim his first BRC victory since Rally Yorkshire in 2022.

“It’s a big relief – I’m so happy to get the win,” Pryce said. “We had a dodgy couple of stages at the end, and to be honest, it was so slippy, but I drove at a pace where I was comfortable.

“I did lose some time, which in the end wasn’t too bad, but we certainly had some hairy moments just trying to keep it on the road. Credit to everyone who’s got me here. Top job from Rhodri too – that’s his first-ever win!

While Ingram currently leads the standings by four points from Creighton, the Irishman could be the biggest threat to Pryce’s title hopes.

He is still getting to grips with his new Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, but has recorded back-to-back second place finishes to force his way into contention.

Bettors in Creighton’s homeland have backed their compatriot to emerge victorious this season, forcing bookmakers to cut his odds to win the title.

Several of the best Irish betting sites also make him the favourite to win the upcoming Jim Clark Rally in Scotland later this month.

However, Pryce will fancy his chances of claiming another victory as he strives to follow up his impressive 2022 British title success.

The Welshman won four of the seven events that season to clinch top spot by an emphatic 19-point margin from Keith Cronin.

With two of the final four rallies of the season set to be staged in Wales, Pryce could be a good bet to upset the odds over the next few months.

He has previously won Rali Ceredigion and the Cambrian Rally, which should give him the confidence he needs to secure another British title.

With all but a couple of the fixtures having been completed for this season. We take a look at the promotions and relegations throughout the divisions.

Division One –

Champions – Goodwick United, uneaten in the league all season and champions by a huge 17 point margin to second placed Hakin. An outstanding league campaign for O’Sullivan’s men.

Relegated – Neyland & Fishguard Sports

Division 2

Champions – Monkton Swifts Reserves. Having only lost two games all season Monkton dominated the division winning the league by a huge 14 point margin. Being a reserve team they can’t be promoted as their first team are in the first division.

Promoted – St Ishmaels & Herbrandston. Swifts winning the league meant second and third place would be promoted to the first division and Tish and Herbie took full advantage and have returned to Pembrokeshire’s top flight.

Relegated – St Clears & Cosheston

Division 3

Champions – Lawrenny, a much tighter title chase in the third division between Solva and Lawrenny. However it was the former who secured the title by three points and will be looking forward to the second division next season.

Promoted – Solva, only three points behind the champions and definitely deserving of their promotion.

Relegated – Letterston & Pennar Robins II

Division 4

Champions – Camrose Reserves who came out on top of a thrilling chase for the title.

Promoted – Tenby Reserves who push Camrose really hard in the title challenge. They fell three points short of becoming champions, however they held off local rivals New Hedges Saundersfoot in the promotion race who ended two points behind them.

Relegated – Milford Athletic & Carew III

Division 5

Champions – Hundleton. The return of Hundleton couldn’t have gone much better they have won the league and with a staggering goal difference of plus 98.

Promoted – Johnston Reserves.