Aberford 4

Oxenhope 0

OXENHOPE put up a brave fight against promotion-chasing Aberford, two quick goals mid-way through the second-half decided the West Yorkshire League Division One contest.

The home side had much of the early possession using their strength and height advantage.

They struck the first blow on 10 minutes, a long ball over the top of the Oxenhope defence was run onto and finished.

They continued to dominate midfield using their physical power as the visitors were reduced to breakaways.

A James Bailey corner was met with a strong header from Lewis Hopkinson, but the keeper was in the right position to save.

Oxenhope keeper Ricky Driver made two smart saves and Mark Bentham put in a good strong challenge to prevent the Aberford striker as he was about to pull the trigger.

Gradually, though, the visitors started to get back into the game with Lee Reilly and Scott Nelson testing the Aberford defence.

Oxenhope survived an early scare in the second-half as the Aberford front man carved his way through the Oxenhope backline but with the goal at his mercy fired wide.

The game swung from end to end but on 65 minutes the visitors were at fault in not clearing a corner and in the melee, Aberford punished them.

Five minutes later a high ball into the danger area Driver flicked the ball onto the crossbar but the home striker was on hand to hammer it into the net.

Oxenhope changed their formation to try and pull something back but Aberford were in no mood to let their advantage slip.

Tom Marshall, Danny Makinson and Nelson all had half-chances but as tired legs set in the home side claimed a fourth.

This Saturday Oxenhope entertain Featherstone (2.30pm).

Oxenhope: Driver, Drake (McGee), Williamson, Bentham, Scott, Makinson, Bailey, Hopkinson (Smith), Reilly, Nelson, Marshall.

Oxenhope Reserves 3

Leeds City Reserves 5

OXENHOPE’S young second string put up a brave performance against Alliance Division One title challengers Leeds City.

The home side led 3-2 at the break, thanks to goals by Chris Newman and a brace from Luke Brooksbank, but Leeds’s experience in the second-half turned the tables.

This Saturday the reserves travel to Aberford (2.30pm).