West Riding County FA Trophy Round Three: Oxenhope Rec Reserves 0 Beeston Reserves 4

OXENHOPE bowed out of the Trophy after this clash between West Yorkshire League Alliance Division One's high-fliers, though the scoreline flattered the visitors.

The tie between the top two – who have yet to drop a point – was played on the all-weather pitch at Marley to ensure the game went ahead.

Oxenhope, who had not played for five weeks because of postponements due to the wet weather, started well.

Craig Morris had a couple of half-chances but Beeston's strong and well-organised defence kept the hosts largely at bay.

The home side defended manfully but it was no surprise when Beeston eventually took the lead on 35 minutes when the ball was bundled over the line after a cross had not been cleared.

It was a similar story after the break as the visitors passed the ball with accuracy and pace.

However, Rec got the upper hand as sub Joel Gallagher used his strength to hold the ball up and give Morris and Liam Dyson sight of goal. A free-kick from Gallagher saw Steve Davies head the ball just over the bar.

Oxenhope could not find the finishing touch and, on 70 minutes, they went three at the back as young Owen Williamson was introduced to use his pace up front.

But a Beeston break down-field saw them score their second and a third came with another counter-attack.

Oxenhope thought they had a lifeline when player manager James Bailey crossed the ball over the keeper. The custodian appeared to scoop the ball back from behind the goal-line but the referee waved play on. To add salt to the wound, Beeston scored a fourth in the final minutes.

Oxenhope Reserves turn their attention to defending the Keighley Supplementary Cup on Saturday when they have a quarter-final at Ingrow & Worth Valley Reserves (1.30pm).

Keighley Cup holders Oxenhope firsts, whose league game at home to Brighouse Old Boys was called off last weekend, also have a quarter-final tie in their competition at Silsden Reserves (1.30pm).