West Yorkshire League Premier Division: Oxenhope Rec 1 Shelley 1

A YOUNG Oxenhope produced a spirited second-half performance to claim a more than deserved share of the points.

It was all the more remarkable in that they were fielding no less than five under-19s in their line-up against an experienced and physical Shelley side.

The visitors exerted the early pressure but Oxenhope, playing five across the back, dealt comfortably with the threat through central defenders Ross Chapman, Dan Scott and Scott Nelson. They were also dangerous themselves on the break via their wing backs Liam Dyson and Owen Williamson.

On the half-hour mark, the home defence was eventually caught out when the visitors’ striker beat the offside trap and ran through to lob advancing keeper Nick Hudson.

Oxenhope nearly responded in their very next attack. A raking pass from Ben White found captain Lewis Hopkinson, who had two strikes from close range but both efforts were blocked.

A free-kick by the skipper from the edge of the box to the far post was then cleared off the line with front men Tom Baker and Chris Day closing in.

Oxenhope were level within five minutes of the second half. A long kick from Hudson found Hopkinson, who flicked the ball into the path of Day and he struck an unstoppable first-time shot from distance that left the keeper flat-footed.

The home side now had the belief they could take all three points in their fight against relegation and were relentless with their attacks.

Day was so unlucky when, following good build-up play, he connected with a firm header but it smacked against the angle of post and bar before bouncing to safety.

Oxenhope continued to force the game but nearly got caught on the break, with man of the match Scott Nelson clearing off the line.

Their first league point in four games moves them third from bottom in what appears to be a fight between four clubs in the battle to avoid the drop.

Saturday sees a crucial six-pointer at fellow strugglers Brighouse (2pm).

Oxenhope: Hudson, Dyson, Williamson, Chapman, Scott, Nelson, White (Fleetwood), Hopkinson, Day (Pepper), Baker, Marshall (Driver).