West Yorkshire League Premier Division: Headingley 2 Oxenhope Rec 3

OXENHOPE had to work hard for only their second victory of the season but the three points saw them climb out of the relegation zone.

Fielding yet another changed line-up, it appeared their early-season luck might have changed when Gaz Ritson pressurised a Headingley defender into a hasty pass-back which their keeper was not ready for and the ball rolled in at the far post.

The home side drew level when a corner from the right was cleared but the ball fell invitingly to a Headingley player on the edge of the box and he lashed a curving strike into the far corner, giving keeper Eddie Jackson no chance.

On the half-hour the home side took the lead when the ball was not cleared and was driven through the defence and into the net.

Headingley took control, Dayne Ward having to clear off the line and Jackson pulling off a top-drawer save. Oxenhope were always dangerous on the break with the speed of Ritson. His cross found Liam Dyson in a good position but he took a touch and his shot was blocked.

After the break Oxenhope upped their game and the pressure paid off. On the hour Ben White won the ball in midfield. His long pass found Ritson, who went past his marker and curled a lob over the keeper for the equaliser.

On 75 minutes Sean Quinlan delivered an inch-perfect free-kick into the box and Tony Cox rose highest to head past the keeper.

Headingley threw everything that they had but Oxenhope’s defence, with man of the match Cox at the heart, were in no mood to let their lead slip. Jackson made another fine save from a free-kick to ensure the three points were secured.

This Saturday Oxenhope entertain Hunslet (2.30pm).

Oxenhope: Jackson, Quinlan (Williamson), McGee M, Cox, Ward, White, Chapman, Scott L (Snowden), Day, Dyson, Ritson.

Alliance Division One: Oxenhope Rec Reserves 4 Hunslet Reserves 2

Oxenhope beat the joint leaders to get back on track after a disappointing defeat to Leeds City.

The home side took the lead when Liam Fothergill played in Craig Morris, who delivered an inch-perfect pass for young Lewis Hopkinson to volley home.

The home side doubled their advantage when Keann Shaw struck a low half-volley into the bottom corner. With half-time approaching, Joe Jalil found himself unmarked on the halfway line. Seeing the defence pushing out and the keeper on the edge of the box, he curled the ball over them all and into the top corner for a contender for goal of the season.

After the break Hunslet pulled one back as but Jason McGee made the points with a fourth from an almost impossible angle on the dead-ball line. Hunslet grabbed a late consolation goal from the spot.

This Saturday the reserves travel to Sherburn in the first round of the League Trophy competition (2pm).