A BRIEF improvement in the weather allowed clubs to take one step closer to resolving promotionand relegation issues.

Oxenhope's title hopes were finally dashed when they were beaten by Skipton Bulldogs. It was a match they needed to win tokeep any slim hopes alive, but Bulldogs took the honours with a 3-1 victory in a scrappy match.

Dogs did most of the attcking and created more chances, but were unable to findthe net until the stroke of half time when they finally made the breakthrough. Oxenhope failed to take advantage of their chances.

Bulldogs added to their lead early in the second half when a cross was deflected into the net by an Oxenhope defender, but the Worth Valley side came more into the match and reduced the arrests with a good goal. Just when it looked as though they could get something from the game they conceded a soft third goal.

Oxenhope now have to rely on victory in the League Cup to give them any chance of honours this season.

Keighley FC travelled to Cononley Sports, never an easy ground to visit, and in a fast, competitive, match took both points with a 2-1 victory. Both sides produced some good football and Keighley were first to score, hitting the net after 15 minutes.

They should have increased their lead, but Cononley weathered the storm and came back to equalise before half time.

Keighley dominated possession in the second half, but it took a penalty to regain the lead. They held out for both points.

Haworth enjoyed a comfortable victory over Colne Cricket Club who were playing their last match of the season - and it showed. Haworth took control from the start andran in five goals with a consolation frolne late in the game.

Silsden FC are back on course for the Division One title after finding the net four times against relegation-threatened Carleton in midweek. They also tok maximum points from their match at Grindleton, winning 6-1, and giving cler notice that their goal scoring touch is back.

In Division two Eastburn Rangers were involved ina high scoringmatch with promotion seeking West Bradford. Defences were not at their best and Eastburn swept into a a 3-1 lead whichthey held until half time. Not being used to the luxury of a lead, Eastburn relaxed in the secondhalf allowing West Bradford to get back into the game and eventually lead 4-3.

Eastburn replied with an equaliser an in a hectic last 10 minutes West Bradford took both points with a late two goal burst.

In Division Four Silsden Reserves completed their programme with a 2-0 victory over Horton and earned a creditable third place in the Division after their first season with the promise of better things to come.

Bronte Wanderers travelled to Hellifield Sports in a Division Two cup match, a game which boh had to win to have any chance of progressing beyond the qualifying group stage. Bronte eventually went down 2-1 in a closely contested match.

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