OXENHOPE started their pre-season campaign back in the village on their Centenary Pitch with a nine-goal thriller against Barnoldswick Town from The North West Counties League.

A sizeable crowd saw the home side start well and they led 5-2 just after the hour thanks to a Michael Garnett hat-trick and strikes from Tom Marshall and Leon Smith.

Oxenhope’s lack of fitness told as the visitors pulled two goals back for a thrilling finish but the West Yorkshire League side held out to win 5-4 against the higher league opposition, with new signing Josh Kaine making an impressive debut.

Oxenhope’s next pre-season friendly is on Saturday against Settle United from the Craven League (2pm).