Another full programme saw the Premier Title race hot up with victories for the leaders Oxenhope Recreation against Haworth 3-1.

Embsay were also winners over Addingham, Skipton Bulldogs lost for the first time in the League, going down to Cononley 5-2 and Keighley crept into the frame with a 4-1 victory at Colne Cricket Club.

The local derby at Haworth, where Oxenhope were the visitors, saw an even first half with both sides creating chances, however Oxenhope were the little sharper up front and went in at the interval one up. The second half started with Haworth on top, creating a couple of good chances but wasting them and then a defensive mix up allowed Oxenhope a simple second goal.

Haworth put pressure on the visitors and after a succession of corners pulled a goal back with a curling shot from Mark Labbett. Haworth pushed forward for the equaliser but Oxenhope's defence held firm, then a quickly taken free kick saw Oxenhope stretch Haworth's defence to score the decisive third goal. Oxenhope's scorers were David Collier, Steven Murray and James Bailey.

Cross Hills had a comfortable 6-1 victory over Skipton Town, the bottom club in the division. Three goals in each half gave Cross Hills victory.

Cowling defeated the second bottom club Skipton LMS with a convincing 3-0 victory. Both started in a determined mood but Cowling settled much quicker and eventually Rob Walker curled a shot into the net to put the homesters in front. The lead was increased early in the second half when the Whiteoak brothers combines to score, Adam making the opening, Damien finishing the cross off. LMS rarely threatened and the points were made safe when Andrew Hudson fired home to conclude the scoring.

Keighley moved into third place in the table with a 4-1 victory over Colne Cricket Club. Keighley started slowly as usual giving Colne a goal after five minutes then began to settle to play good football. Joynal Ali finished a good move for an equaliser and Intikab Din put Keighley ahead. Colne battled hard in defence but could not contain the speed of the Keighley forwards and the lead was increased by Stewart Kinnear and to add the final touch young Lee Isherwood was given his debut in Premier football and with his first touch he headed home the fourth and final goal.

In Division One Silsden returned to the top with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Intake. They attacked from the start and soon had Intake on the defensive. Rob Pearson opened the inevitable scoring from a free kick and Ryan Hook added a second before half-time. Intake had no answer to Silsden's forwards and Ryan Hook went on to complete his hat trick with Michael Jarvis adding a fifth to keep Silsden well on course for a League and Cup double.

Oxenhope Reserves welcomed players back from injury and started well against Carleton bottom of the table and in a devastating first half display went four up with goals from Andrew Clement (2), Peter Schofield and Chris Feather. The second half saw a relaxed Oxenhope allow Carleton into the game and they pulled the score back to 4-3 before Steven Buckley ended any hopes of a draw with a fifth goal for the home side.

Keighley Reserves struggled to raise a team for this match and had to use Dale Hanson in goal when the recognised keeper failed to show. Bradley still in the promotion hunt showed no mercy and netted three times in each half for a convincing victory.

Division Two side Bronte Wanderers started well against Barnoldswick United and were playing some good football. Barnoldswick though were quick on the break and stole two goals against the run of play. Bronte did everything right in the second half but convert their chances. Their approach work was good, their shooting terrible. Barnoldswick rode out the storm, nicked the third goal and the points with a flattering result.

Eastburn Rangers had an under-strength side for their meeting with Barrowford United but gave good account of themselves, taking the lead through Mark Weaver and missing more chances. Barrowford managed to equalise in the closing stages of the first half. The second half was end to end with Barrowford getting on top, taking the lead with Eastburn trying hard for the equaliser but wasting too many chances in the end.

Haworth Reserves visited Wharfedale Gate in a League Cup match and after a not too bright performance managed to win 3-1, not very exciting football with Haworth creating a host of chances but wasting most of them. Niall Walls hit two goals, Carl Hartras added a third, Wharfedale got a consolation and Haworth got the points, that about sums it up.

In Division Four Sutton kept up their pressure for promotion with a fortunate 2-1 home win against Hellifield Reserves. A poor performance by Sutton who had Gary Hanson to thank for the two goals that eventually won the match but despite the poor showing its points that count and Sutton got them.

Lothersdale had a cracking match at Horton where they went down 2-1. Both sides tried to play football and play was end to end. Chances were missed at both ends before Horton took a lead. Dale had the better of the opening stages in the second half put Horton under pressure and equalised through Duncan Holland. With minutes remaining a draw looked on after both sides had missed more chances but Horton broke out of defence, split the Dale defence and scored what proved to be the winner. Silsden Reserves gained revenge for an earlier defeat by Colne Cricket Club Reserves by winning 2-0. Adam Hook opened the scoring with Graham Whittaker adding a second for a deserved win.

n The Management Committee of the League are looking ahead to next season and are thinking of trying to improve their Premier Division by inviting established clubs to apply, or former clubs to consider rejoining. This they hasten to add would not affect current members of the Premier Division or those hoping to win promotion, the Division could be extended, anyone interested should apply to the Secretary.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.