West Yorkshire League Premier Division: Oxenhope Rec 0 Leeds City 5

DEPLETED Oxenhope were well beaten by second-placed title contenders Leeds City.

In the first half-hour it appeared Rec, who were missing five regulars, were in with a chance of matching the opposition in possession and flair.

The home side started to get on top, with James Gill pulling the strings in midfield. They came nearest to scoring when a well-struck free-kick by Danny Driver from just outside the box was tipped over the bar.

On 35 minutes though, the deadlock was broken. After a break down the left, stand-in keeper Eddie Jackson got a hand to a cross but the ball fell into the path of a Leeds striker for a tap-in.

Oxenhope continued to press but in the final minute of the half, Leeds caught their hosts on the break and hesitancy in defence allowed their striker to hammer home in what was only their second real strike on goal.

In the second half, Gill tested the Leeds keeper with a long-range effort and Jackson pulled off a brave save. Then two quick goals by the visitors put the contest beyond doubt with two clinical finishes.

Oxenhope were now under the cosh but continued to battle for a consolation, though the Leeds back line were in no mood to concede.

A Driver corner was met by Gill but his effort was blocked while, at the other end, Oxenhope’s Gaz Ritson used his pace to clear off the line before Leeds grabbed their fifth.

Oxenhope will look to bounce back at Ilkley Town on Saturday (2pm).

Oxenhope: Jackson, Ward, Ritson, Walton, Nelson, White, Driver, Hopkinson (Pullan), Day (Fleetwood), Gill, Williamson.