Aberford Reserves 0 Oxenhope Reserves 5

Oxenhope Reserves gained another three points to keep them at the head of affairs in the West Yorkshire Alliance Division One.

The visitors got off to the perfect start with a goal in their first attack, Tom Marshall crossing for Will Lee to smash in a volley from the edge of the box.

The pair combined again as smart passing saw Marshall flick the ball round his marker and deliver a low cross for Lee to side-foot home.

Oxenhope were well on top but, with the pitch cutting up and getting heavy underfoot, the game slowed and became a mid-field battle.

Early in the second half, a through-ball put Aberford’s striker in on goal but keeper Nick Hudson pulled off a superb save. Soon after, man of the match Craig Morris surged down the right and his cross gave Marshall the easy task of tapping in.

Aberford were handed the chance to get back into the game when defender Rob Pullan brought down their striker in the box but Hudson produced another top-drawer save, diving down to his right to hold the resulting spot-kick.

Minutes later another cross by the hard-working Morris was headed narrowly wide by Grez Robinson.

Marshall continued to terrorise the right back and his cross was met by Robinson, who this time made no mistake with a looping header. The game was deservedly sealed with a prolific strike from the non-stop Morris.

This Saturday the reserves entertain Ilkley Reserves at the Recreation Ground (2pm).

l Oxenhope first team’s match against Knaresborough Town was called off because of a waterlogged pitch. Their third team’s home game against Manningham All Stars was also a victim of the wet weather.

This Saturday sees a repeat of last season’s Keighley Cup final between the holders Oxenhope at Silsden Reserves in a last-eight tie of this year’s competition (1.30pm).

CRAVEN, AIRE & WHARFE JUNIOR LEAGUE

Under 18’s Division One

Menston Under 18’s 1 Oxenhope Under 18’s 2

Oxenhope Under 18’s kept in touch with the league leaders but had to hold on at the end in what was a hard fought game. The visitors led comfortably at the break with a brace from Tom Baker. Menston scored with twenty minutes left and Oxenhope had to put in a brave rearguard action to hold on to the points.