Oakworth 1 Oxenhope Reserves 3

Defending Craven League Division One champions, Oxenhope Reserves moved into a challenging position in the table by taking all three points in a hard fought local derby at Oakworth.

On a stamina sapping pitch Oxenhope took the lead when new signing Tom Wallbank danced his way past four Oakworth defenders before placing his shot beyond the keeper.

Oakworth levelled from the penalty spot following a rash challenge by defender Chris McGuinnis. Wallbank then got on the end of a Adam Clewes cross to side foot the ball home to regain the advantage.

After the break Oakworth pressed for the equaliser and were unlucky to see a rasping shot rattle the crossbar. The game swung from end to end but it was the visitors who secured the points when Clewes shot was parried by the Oakworth keeper into the path of Wallbank to tap the ball in from close range for his hat-trick.

This win secured maximum points over the Christmas period for Oxenhope - on the Saturday prior to the festive period they thrashed Carleton 9-0 at the Recreation Ground. Again it was that man Wallbank who led the way firing in five goals, Rob Pullen added a brace, with Josh Beattie and Tom Thompson completing the rout.

This Saturday the reserves travel to Rolls Royce in the league. The first team hope to end their football famine, having not played a match for a month, with a difficult Northern Plant Hire Cup game against league leaders Cononley at Marley. Kick-off is at 1.30pm.