Robin Hood 2 Oxenhope 1

OXENHOPE travelled to Robin Hood with several key players unavailable through injury and suspension for their West Yorkshire League Premier Division clash.

They also had to play into the driving rain and a biting, gale force wind in the first half.

Robin Hood took the lead after ten minutes when a wind assisted shot from distance found the target. They doubled their advantage after 20 minutes when the usually safe Josh Kaine was caught in possession. The Robin Hood player found the back of the Oxenhope net with a shot from distance.

The visitors were penned in their own half as Robin Hood started to dominate. Oxenhope’s only outlet was when the ball was played out to the pacy Leon Smith.

Oxenhope battled their way back into the game on the half hour when Sean Quinlan played in Michael Garnett. He used his strength and power to drive into the penalty area before unleashing a vicious shot that beat the keeper via a deflection.

Oxenhope held out until half-time and hoped they could then turn the conditions to their advantage after the break.

The visitors dominated play in the second half. Liam McNicol and Will Lee combined to set up Chris Day, but his shot hit the outside of the post.

A succession of corners followed and the best effort fell to Will Lee. His powerful shot was blocked on the line.

As time ticked away the Robin Hood defence grew in confidence and Oxenhope started to get more anxious.

The best chance of an equaliser came after 80 minutes when skipper Ollie Metcalfe hit a strike from distance that was clawed away by Hood’s keeper as it headed for the top corner.

Oxenhope were left exhausted and deflated at the final whistle and will need to bounce back on Saturday when they visit Wetherby (2pm).

OXENHOPE: Lee S, Scott, McNicol, Blacka, Metcalfe, Kaine, Lee W (Clewes), Day, Garnett, Quinlan, Smith (Murphy).