IN West Yorkshire Football League Division One, Oxenhope were left bitterly disappointed as their home fixture against Aberford Albion was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

After suffering a narrow defeat to high flying Wetherby Athletic, Oxenhope would have had the chance to build on their battling display.

Currently second-bottom, Liam McNicol's side had the opportunity to move to within seven points of 11th-placed Aberford with three games in hand, as they seek to avoid the dreaded drop.

Manager McNicol, said “We are very frustrated. Me and the team are on a bit of a downer as we need to pick up points to avoid relegation.”

Speaking ahead of this week's fixture against Premier Division side, Hunslet in the West Yorkshire League Cup, McNicol added: “I’m very confident we can give a good fight against Hunslet, especially being at home on our tight pitch. Our home form has been very good.”

With a kind run of home fixtures leading towards the season's end, McNicol is confident of ensuring safety.

He said: “I believe we can stay up. We just need consistency in performance. There is enough quality in the team.”

Oxenhope are also in preparation for a huge game against local rivals FC Sporting Keighley in the Keighley Cup semi-final on March 21.

By Harry Williams