Northern Counties Cup semi-final: Oxenhope Rec 0 Sculcoates 1

Oxenhope travelled back to West Riding County FA headquarters at Woodlesford, scene of their County Cup final victory last May, to face North Riding champions Sculcoates.

The game was played in a biting cold wind and, at times, blizzard-like conditions, so much so that the floodlight had to be turned on.

It proved to be a game of contrasting halves that saw the Humberside League side completely dominate the first period before Oxenhope took control in the second half.

Sculcoates had two early chances but both strikes went wide of the target. Although Oxenhope were put under extreme pressure, keeper Sam Lee hardly had a save to make thanks to the resolute defending of Dan Scott, Liam Blacka, Josh Kaine and Liam McNicol.

Oxenhope’s best chance to snatch an unlikely lead came when Leon Smith broke down the right and crossed for Michael Garnett but his shot was blocked.

Relieved to hear the half-time whistle and keep their goal intact, the West Yorkshire League side carried the greater threat after the break.

Lewis Hopkinson and Smith combined well to set up Garnett but the Sculcoates keeper made a brave save. Oxenhope were dealt a blow when key defender Kaine had to leave the field with a hamstring injury but they reorganised and remained on the offensive.

Garnett powered his way past several defenders but was thwarted by a last-ditch block from the keeper as he was about to pull the trigger. Hopkinson was then denied twice within minutes when close in on goal.

The result hinged on an 85th-minute refereeing decision. A corner from Sculcoates found their striker, who hit the ball firmly against Jonathan Clewes on the upper arm at close distance.

The referee pointed to the spot, amid protests from Oxenhope, and the penalty was converted. Oxenhope threw everything they had into the last five minutes but Sculcoates held out to go through to the final where they will meet the Lancashire County Cup winners.

This Saturday Oxenhope return to league matters at Wetherby (2.30pm).

Oxenhope: Lee, Scott, McNicol, Kaine (Quinlan), Blacka, Clewes, Smith, Moriarty, Garnett (Williamson), Metcalfe, Day (Hopkinson).

West Yorkshire Alliance Division One: Oxenhope Rec Reserves 2 Boroughbridge Reserves 0

Oxenhope maintained their position at the top and their 100 per cent record but had to battle manfully to do it.

The fixture took place at Marley on the artificial surface in blizzard conditions. The home side were on the front foot from the off, with strikers Craig Morris and Scott Nelson being thwarted by the keeper.

It was a full 30 minutes before the visitors had their first sight of goal, with keeper Nick Hudson racing off his line to narrow the angle and force Boroughbridge’s striker to shoot wide.

The home side continued to dominate, with the midfield of Ben White, Will Lee and Connor Madden in commanding form.

Oxenhope’s pressure eventually told early in the second half.

Man of the match Danny Driver burst down the right flank, rounded his marker and crossed for Nelson to slot home.

The home side were now camped in the visitors' half and chances fell to Morris, Nelson, Lee and White but last-ditch tackles and good goalkeeping kept them at bay.

The points were not made safe until the final five minutes when sub Joel Gallagher cleverly shielded the ball from his marker before turning and cutting the ball between two defenders for Lee to blast into the top right corner to secure their 14th straight league victory.

This Saturday Rec will need to be at their best when they entertain third-placed Horbury Reserves (2.30pm).