OXENHOPE clinched a hat-trick of Keighley Cup victories with a 3-0 win over first-time finalists Wilsden Athletic.

The holders lived up to their favourites’ billing at Silsden against opponents from the Craven League premier division.

Michael Garnett should have opened the scoring in front of a good-sized crowd but blasted over with the goal at his mercy after being set up by Tom Marshall.

That encouraged underdogs Wilsden who grabbed the initiative with their neat and accurate passing.

But gradually Oxenhope eased their way back into the game with Marshall and Leon Smith creating chances down both flanks.

And it was Smith who broke the deadlock on the half hour with a great individual effort.

Bursting down the right, he cut in, beat his marker and let fly with a powerful strike into the far corner.

Wilsden keeper Matt Roberts was in good form as he blocked strikes from Dan Moriarty, Garnett and Marshall.

But they almost levelled on the break when Oxenhope’s young keeper Eddie Jackson blocked on the line before Sean Quinlan could clear.

Oxenhope’s increasing pressure finally told after 70 minutes. Moriarty’s corner found Lewis Hopkinson close in on goal and he forced the ball over the line at the second attempt.

They made sure of another cup success with ten minutes left. Scott Nelson’s header from a corner was blocked but he made no mistake with the rebound to lash home.

Smith collected the man-of-the-match award and skipper Moriarty lifted the cup for the fourth time in five years as the celebrations began.

Oxenhope visit Wakefield side Carlton Athletic on Saturday (2.30pm) and Pool next Wednesday (6.30pm).

Oxenhope: Jackson, Scott, Ritson, Nelson, Metcalfe, Clewes (Hopkinson), Quinlan, Garnett (Gallagher) Smith, Marshall (Williamson).

Meanwhile, Oxenhope’s second string kept up their slim hopes of the West Yorkshire Alliance Division One title by rattling in ten against Hunslet Reserves.

Chris Day led the way with four goals, Joe Brady scored a hat-trick, Connor Madden bagged a pair and the rout was completed by sub Chris Galdes.

Oxenhope, who host Field Reserves on Saturday (2.30pm) in their final league fixture, need Beeston Reserves to drop points in their last three games to stand any chance of lifting the crown.