Oxenhope Rec 1 Leeds City 3

Almost a year ago to the day Oxenhope experienced the greatest night in their history by defeating hot favourites Leeds City to lift the County Cup – but on this occasion it was Leeds City who turned the tables.

The home side knew they were in for a hard game as Leeds were five places above them in the league, though Rec got off to a great start when, on ten minutes, Michael Garnett collected a pass on the lefthand edge of the box and powerfully hooked the ball into the far corner of the net.

The game flowed from end to end, with both sides playing good passing football. Oxenhope came close to doubling their advantage when Garnett played a through-ball to Owen Williamson but his strike glanced off the outside of the post.

Two goals in five minutes just before the break changed the game. A mistake in defence allowed a Leeds striker to finish and, minutes later, a long ball into the box created hesitancy between keeper and defender and was punished.

Oxenhope regained their composure after the break and took control. Chances came at regular intervals, with Garnett and Williamson seeing their efforts either blocked or saved.

Williamson put in a tantalising cross that neither Garnett nor Sean Quinlan could get their heads to. A tremendous passing movement between Williamson and Garnett that cut through the defence saw the keeper bravely block.

As Oxenhope pressed for the equaliser, they were caught on the break after 80 minutes when Leeds sealed the points with a lob into the far corner.

On Saturday Oxenhope travel to the resurgent Knaresborough Town (2.30pm).

Oxenhope: Jackson, Scott, Ritson, Nelson, Metcalfe, White, Clewes, Moriarty (Driver), Garnett, Quinlan, Williamson.