PREMIER Division Keighley Oaks opened their Chairman's Supplementary Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Third Division Farsley Reserves.

However, it was a happy return after knee trouble for Hollie Kirtley, who opened the scoring for Oaks following a left-wing cross from Leah Gilmore.

That was the only goal of the first half in a battle between two depleted teams but Farsley, overseen by their first-team manager, were fitter and faster in the second half as temperatures reached a heady 15 degrees.

They equalised from what was a mixture of good attacking and poor defending, but, inspired by Becky Granger and player of the match Sophie Gaines, Oaks went 2-1 ahead via Kirsty Delaney, who was playing in an unusual centre-forward role.

However, the visitors equalised from a late corner in what was a fair result.

Oaks complete their league programme on Sunday at home to champions Harrogate Railway Athletic, and know that a victory would keep alive their hopes of climbing off the bottom.

They could stay in sixth place if Bradford Park Avenue lose their last two matches or draw one.

"It could happen," said Oaks coach Neil Farley "as they are at home to second-placed Hemsworth Miners' Welfare and away to fourth-placed Brighouse Athletic."

Oaks are also in action next Wednesday at Brighouse Town Development – the other side in their three-team Chairman's Supplementary Cup group – on the first-team pitch (7.30).