Oxenhope Rec 0 Beeston SA 1

Oxenhope bowed out of the League Cup in an entertaining tie, producing a much-improved performance compared with recent games.

This was despite not having leading goal-scorer Michael Garnett, who was unavailable through injury.

Rec started brightly and had several half-chances, the best one being when defender Jason Walton got on the end of a Dan Moriarty corner but his firm header flashed agonisingly wide of the post.

Gradually Beeston got more of a foothold in the game but found the central defensive pairing of man of the match Walton and Dayne Ward in commanding form.

Oxenhope produced another good effort when Craig Morris burst through the visitors’ back line and had a double strike on goal but each time the keeper spread himself to block the shots.

All the hosts’ good work was undone just before the half-time whistle, however.

Beeston broke down the right and one of their front men put the ball over his marker and his strike partner was on hand to finish.

The second half was end to end as both teams put in plenty of effort on a pitch that became heavier as the match progressed.

Tom Marshall cut in past his marker on the left but the keeper made a fine stop at the foot of his near post.

Then a precision corner from Ollie Metcalfe was met by Scott Nelson at the far post but his strike hit the side-netting. As time ran out, Oxenhope reorganised and went all out for the equaliser but, despite a grand-stand finish, they could not find the net.

This Saturday they face newly-promoted Horbury Town at Marley (2pm).

Oxenhope: Lee, Nelson, McNicol, Ward, Walton, White, Day (Trowers), Moriarty, Morris, Metcalfe, Marshall.