WEST YORKSHIRE LEAGUE Premier Division: Oxenhope 3 Hunslet 1

Oxenhope bounced back from a disappointing mid-week 4-2 defeat by last season’s league champions Field with a hard-fought victory over a strong and physical Hunslet side.

Keeper Sam Lee was called into early action with a fine save as the visitors went on the offensive from the whistle. Gradually Oxenhope came more into the game in a frenetic first half that saw the game swing from one end to the other.

A Dan Moriarty corner was headed wide by Sean Quinlan and Tom Marshall saw an in-swinging shot cleared off the line. Leon Smith chased the ball to the bye line and dragged it back but Chris Day’s firm strike was turned round the post.

Early in the second half Oxenhope took the lead. A Moriarty corner was met with a looping header from Marshall that sent the ball goalwards and the on-rushing Liam McNicol made sure the ball found the net.

Hunslet pushed for the equaliser, Lee making another brave save at the feet of a striker as he bore down on goal.

Just when it appeared that the home side had repelled the onslaught, the referee awarded a soft penalty on 80 minutes. Scott Nelson was judged to have brought his man down and the resulting spot-kick was put away.

Oxenhope’s advantage was restored two minutes later when man of the match Marshall ran on to a through-ball, beat the last defender and crossed beyond the keeper into the far corner.

The home side made the points safe soon after, Nelson hitting a long ball that was flicked on by Day into the path of skipper Moriarty to confidently slot home.

Oxenhope host Pool on Wednesday before welcoming Bardsey on Saturday (2.30pm).

Oxenhope: Lee S, Nelson, McNicol, Lee W, Metcalfe, Kaine, Smith, Moriarty, Day, Quinlan, Marshall.

Alliance Division One: Boroughbridge Reserves 1 Oxenhope Reserves 2

Oxenhope’s second string went top with their fourth straight victory in what proved to be a smash and grab raid.

The visitors took an understrength team to Boroughbridge and, for most of a goalless first half, were under the cosh.

Early in the second period the home side took the lead but, with time running down, Oxenhope’s player-manager James Bailey slotted in the equaliser.

With minutes left, the visitors were awarded a penalty which Liam Blacka hammered in to steal the points.

This Saturday the reserves travel to Horbury Reserves (2.30pm).