OXENHOPE opened their pre-season campaign with a battling display in a 1-0 defeat to a Thackley XI.

The West Yorkshire League side held their own against their Northern Counties East League hosts, who only won thanks to a late strike from Marcus Harper.

Goalkeeper Stuart Devlin made a couple of fine saves while youngsters Owen Williamson and debutant Eddie Busfield impressed for Oxenhope.

Williamson and Michael Garnett both hit the post but the hosts, who were a mixture of under-21s and first-teamers, edged to victory.

West Riding County Amateur League side Steeton beat Bacup Borough 4-2 on Saturday, with Graham Holmes hitting a hat-trick and Michael Rhodes scoring a great free-kick.

The Chevrons are in action at home to Thackley tonight and also have an attractive game lined up this Saturday as they travel to Evo Stik League side Colne.

Neighbours Silsden also faced opposition from that league last weekend as they went down 1-0 at home to Clitheroe, with Ollie Crankshaw scoring a late goal.

The Cobbydalers end their pre-season campaign on Saturday with a home game against Royton Town.