Keighley Challenge Cup semi-final: Oxenhope 2 Silsden Reserves 1

A GOOD crowd at the Recreation Ground were treated to an entertaining tie that saw defending champions Oxenhope book their place in a fourth consecutive Keighley Cup final.

The visitors took an early lead after just five minutes. Two Oxenhope defenders went for the same ball inside their box and the ball fell invitingly for a Silsden front man to take a touch before drilling home.

The hosts levelled minutes later when a free-kick by skipper Lewis Hopkinson into the danger area was headed back across goal by Scott Nelson for Dan Scott to fire into the roof of the net from close range.

Oxenhope, fielding five under-19 players in their squad, and an equally young and talented Silsden side then produced some excellent football as the tie swung from end to end.

Oxenhope gradually got the upper hand and had several half-chances to take the lead.

Ex-Silsden player and former manager James Gill powered in a free-kick from outside the box that was deflected for a corner. Then a free-kick from Hopkinson was headed just the wrong side of the post by Gill.

After a good run from Keann Shaw, his weighted pass found Tom Baker, who cut in and unleashed a shot but the Silsden keeper Luke Phillips got down and saved well.

The visitors were then awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area and a powerful strike produced a top-drawer one-handed save from Oxenhope keeper Nick Hudson to turn the ball round the post.

On the half-hour mark, the home side went ahead. Joel Gallagher picked the ball up on the edge of the area, turned and twisted his way past two defenders before unleashing a shot. Phillips got his hand to the ball but could not stop it crossing the line.

The second half was again end to end with several half-chances for both teams but Oxenhope’s back four of Dayne Ward, Nelson, Scott and man of the match Matty Wilson always looked to have Silsden's measure.

Heavy challenges went in from both sides as the game turned into a midfield battle, with no quarter asked or given. Ward and Gill linked up as Hopkinson went close with a diving header and Baker cut in along the bye line and saw his strike role agonisingly across goal.

As the pitch cut up and legs tired, it became a war of attrition which saw five-time cup holders Oxenhope drag themselves over the finishing line and secure their place in the final against Silsden Whitestar in May.

This Saturday they resume their West Yorkshire League Premier Division survival fight when they entertain Headingley (2pm).

* Oxenhope Reserves did not have a fixture but travel to Field Reserves tomorrow night for a re-arranged West Yorkshire League Cup tie. On Saturday they are on the road again at Headingley Reserves (2pm).