Oxenhope 10 Cross Hills 1

The return clash of last season’s FA Challenge Cup finalists saw 11 goals again – but all but one of them hit the back of the Craven League side’s net this time.

When the teams met in May, the minnows gave the West Yorkshire Premier side a run for their money in a thrilling 7-4 encounter.

However, the cup holders dominated the young Hills side, who have gained promotion in the last two seasons and lie fourth in the top flight of the Craven League.

On five minutes, Gaz Ritson sped down the left and crossed for Michael Garnett to lay the ball to Chris Day for the opener.

Then Garnett cut the ball back for Jonathan Clewes to hit an unstoppable shot from distance.

Soon after Ritson and Clewes linked up beautifully for the latter to stroke in number three.

On the half-hour, Garnett won the ball on the right and, despite the attention of three defenders, still managed to get in a cross for Day to strike. His shot was blocked by the keeper but Dan Moriarty was on hand to tuck the ball away.

After 40 minutes, Ritson cut in from the left and rolled the ball into the path of man-of-the-match Clewes, who swept it home for his hat-trick.

Just before the break, Ritson was again the provider as his cross to the far post was met by Moriarty for number six.

Oxenhope were relentless with their pressure and, soon after the restart, Moriarty broke through and laid on a great cross which eluded Garnett but Ritson converted it with a diving header.

Defender Ben White then surged down the right and his cross found Garnett, who turned his marker before rifling the ball past the keeper.

Midway through the second period a Moriarty strike was stopped by the keeper but Garnett followed up to plunder the spoils.

On 80 minutes Garnett caused panic in the Cross Hills defence and, when he was scythed down, Moriarty dispatched the resulting penalty to make it double figures.

In the dying stages, Ben Dewhirst’s shot was parried by keeper Nick Hudson and Will Storrie pounced for a consolation.

This Saturday, Oxenhope travel to Whitkirk (2.30pm) in the league.

Oxenhope: Hudson, White, Nelson (Andrew), Trowers, Walton, Clewes, Bailey, Moriarty, Garnett, Day, Ritson.