MANY clubs managed to play despite a week of torrential rain which left other pitches unfit.

Oxenhope Recreation took the opportunity to steal a march on their rivals by gaining two points from their match with Cowling.

Playing up the slope Oxenhope set off at a cracking pace and had the visitors in trouble opening the scoring through Andrew Clements. Cowling fought back quickly and equalised through Paul Driver, but it was the home side who held the upper hand with some excellent football.

Andrew Clements completed his hat-trick before half time and Oxenhope were firmly in control after the break. Cowling could make little impression on Oxenhope's defence and did well only to concede two further goals to David Collier and James Fisher.

Oxenhope head the table by four points from Skipton Bulldogs and six from Embsay. While the challengers have games in hand Oxenhope already have the points in the bag - and both chasing clubs have yet to visit Oxenhope.

In Division One Silsden march on towards the title with 10 victories from 10 games. Latest to feel the effect of the whirlwind team were Grindleton who put up a creditable first half performance to hold the champions-elect to a goalless scoreline. the second half saw Silsden on top with goals from Ryan Hook (2), Andy Geary (2), Mick Dowse and Matthew Bland. Grindleton blamed their poor second half performance on a lack of half-time refreshments, leaving them dehydrated.

Keighley Reserves started '98 with a win coming from two goals down against fellow strugglers Grassington United. The home side started well and had Keighley on the rack and scored twice before the visitors had settled, Keighley gradually got their act together, weathered the storm, and a 25-yard volley from Lee Isherwood flew into the net to reduce the arrears before the break.

It was one-way traffic after the re-start with a header from Liam Rowley putting Keighley level and they followed up with three more goals from Lee Isherwood. Darren Smith made it six as the win lifted Keighley clear of the bottom two.

Oxenhope Reserves travelled to Bradley and were a goal down within two minutes, and saw another hit the back of their net before the clock had reached five minutes.. They managed to pull one back through Dale Scott only to concede two more before half time. The second half saw Oxenhope struggle up the slope, never creating any clear chances, but they did manage to restrict rampant Bradley to just one more goal.

Cowling Reserves were the only side to play in Division Three and after defeating Intake they cut Addingham's lead at the top to three points. Cowling took an early lead through Martin Rishton and they continued to create chances, but could not add to the score until early in the second half when Stephen Spellman made it 2-0.

Intake never really threatened Cowling's defence a further goals from Kevin Hurt and Mark Critchlow rounded off a good win for the home side.

In Division Four Silsden Reserves never got going against a good colne Cricket Club reserves outfit and never looked like scoring, but they did well to keep the scoreline down to 3-0.

KEIGHLEY ALLIANCE LEAGUE

Only one game survived the weather with Craven Athletic continuing their winning ways with a 6-2 victory over Stanbury Park Rangers.

Athletic took command in the first half, scoring three goals without reply.

Stanbury hit back in t he first 15 minutes after the break and their effort was rewarded with a David Bainbridge goal. But instead of being inspired by the strike they fell away and allowed Craven to seize the initiative and hammer home three further goals. Stanbury's Mark Labbett got a late consolation goal.

Despite the weather which hit most games in the last two weeks a dry early season has mean that most teams are still on course to complete their fixtures without having to resort to too many evening games at the end of the season.

The league is also planning to promote the Midgley Trophy cup competition as an Invitation League Cup event.

COUNTY CHALLENGE CUP

Phoenix were knocked out of the challenge cup, going down 1-0 to West Riding County Amateurs Premier League side Marsden.

The single goal came early in the first half as the Phoenix defence failed to clear a well taken free kick, allowing a Marsden attacker to volley home from close range.

Phoenix, however, didn't let their heads drop and put Marsden under constant pressure, but were unable to break down a well organised Marsden defence.

Martin Ross came closest to equalising 15 minutes from time with a well timed through ball from Lamb, but he was unable to beat the keeper with a powerful shot.

Although this was Phoenix's first defeat of the season manager, Paul Ettenfield, was satisfied with his players' attitude and performance.

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