Wyke Wanderers 1 Oxenhope 2

OXENHOPE produced a superb first-half performance at Wyke – but needed a superb late save from Sam Lee to make sure of the victory.

They had dominated the newly-promoted hosts in the opening 45 minutes and should have had the game out of sight.

Dan Moriarty and Tom Marshall combined from a short corner to set up Liam McNicol’s header just wide.

Michael Garnett was twice denied by the Wyke keeper before the pressure paid off on the half hour. Garnett headed Moriarty’s free-kick across goal and McNicol slid in to convert.

But Oxenhope were made to pay for not taking their chances as Wyke levelled ten minutes after the break following a mistake in midfield.

The visitors responded and skipper Moriarty restored their lead with a penalty after Leon Smith’s strike was handled.

With Josh Kaine bossing midfield, Oxenhope continued to press but nearly blew it from a late breakaway, Lee pulling off a top-class block to preserve the three points.

Oxenhope: S Lee, Wells, McNicol, Nelson, Metcalfe, Kaine, Quinlan (W Lee), Smith (Williamson), Moriarty, Garnett, Marshall.