Oxenhope's hopes of completing a league and cup double were dashed when they lost their cup semi-final last weekend.

Recreation Reserves battled all the way and took Barrowford United into extra time before going down 7-4.

A heavy pitch meant that close football was out of the question but both teams tried hard to swing the ball about. Scoring chances were created at both ends with United taking a two goal lead. Just on half-time Chris Cousins pulled a goal back to keep Oxenhope in the game.

Both teams created and converted chances in an end-to-end second period, but they were locked together at 4-4 after 90 minutes. Andrew Hawkins, Christopher Day and Neil Barnes found the net for Oxenhope.

In the Silentnight Premier Division, Oxenhope's first team visited Carleton and also found it difficult to play good football on a heavy pitch. Defences were well on top with scoring chances at a minimum.

Play was restricted to the centre of the field although in the second half Oxenope had to defend well to keep out a Carleton side who tried hard but in the end the points were shared in a goalless draw.

Bronte Wanderers were at home to Embsay and the visitors started the more confidently with Bronte on the defensive throughout the opening quarter. Embsay opened the scoring but a quick reply for Bronte by Rye Bailey levelled the scores.

Early in the second half Bronte took the lead through a well taken goal from Chris Smith. Within five minutes Embsay were level after Bronte's offside trap failed and a minute later Embsay regained their lead and took command, adding three further goals while Bronte could not manage a shot on target.

Cross Hills entertained the Champions- elect Skipton LMS and started well and had LMS on the back foot with some excellent football. However, LMS began to get on top and took the lead with a sloppy goal.

Hills created chances but lacked someone to finish and LMS were never really in any danger. Further goals came in the second half, mainly through a slackness in the Cross Hills defence, although a cracking shot from Martin Coleman did give Cross Hills a consolation goal.

Keighley Lifts entertained Skipton Bulldogs and made them fight all the way before Dogs emerged 3-2 winners. The match was as close as the score suggests with Lifts almost snatching a point.

In Division Two, Cowling Reserves and Carleton Reserves met in a rehearsal for their forthcoming Cup Final. Both teams are looking for promotion and produced end to end from the start with Carleton taking the lead after ten minutes.

It took Cowling 20 minutes to equalise, Ross Boardman collecting an inch-perfect James Anson pass to slot the ball home. Cowling were on top and Boardman gave them the lead again with a superb finish. They were denied two blatant penalties and in the closing minutes Carleton stole a point with a late equaliser.

n Officials have invited applications to join the league as the aim to bring the Premier Division and Divisions One and Two up to 12 teams to ensure a full programme each week.

Any Clubs interested in joining the League are invited to apply to the league secretary Peter Marsden who can be contacted on: 01756-792859..