Silsden Development XI 1 Oxenhope Rec 3

HOLDERS Oxenhope progressed to the semi-final stage of this season’s Keighley Cup but had a battle to get past a spirited young Silsden side that fielded several players with first-team experience.

Rec had the better of the early exchanges, with Josh Kaine bursting through but his powerful shot was met with a strong one-handed save by keeper Wayne Mahomet. Oxenhope took the lead on ten minutes when Ollie Metcalfe put a through ball for Leon Smith to run on to. His lightning pace took him past his marker and he hammered home.

He had a glorious chance to double his tally when Mahomet slipped as he came out to block but, with the goal at his mercy, Smith drove wide of the target.

Silsden came back into the tie and, on 40 minutes, deservedly drew level. A long ball was blocked by the visitors' defence but Silsden’s Nicky McNally collected the rebound and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper Sam Lee.

However, Silsden’s efforts were undone just two minutes later when Oxenhope a corner from Metcalfe was met by Liam McNicol. His shot was blocked but Michael Garnett was on hand to knock the ball in from close range.

Five minutes into the second period the visitors added a third. Another well-flighted corner from Metcalfe was met by Kaine, who rose above the defence to head firmly into the top of the net.

Silsden had the chance to pull one back when a powerfully-struck free-kick skimmed the top of the bar. The home side continued to press but the Oxenhope defence stood firm and, when they were breached, keeper Lee was alert to the danger.

The holders reasserted their authority in midfield, threading balls through to Garnett and non-stop man of the match Smith. Sean Quinlan got on the end of a free-kick but, with only the keeper to beat, he fired straight at him.

Metcalfe then put in another cross but Leroy Hickman’s attempted scissor-kick went wide.

This Saturday Oxenhope return to league matters when they will attempt to remain in the top three of the West Yorkshire League Premier Division as they host Ripon City at the Recreation Ground (2pm).

Oxenhope seconds' game at home to Ilkley Town Reserves was postponed.

Silsden: Mahomet, Moses, Consoli, Want, Brown, Guilfoyle, Narey, Schindler, McNally, Wademan, McNulty subs Fay, Littlewood, Fox, Rufus.

Oxenhope: Lee, Day, McNicol, Nelson, Walton, Quinlan, Kaine(White), Smith, Garnett, Metcalfe, Morris(Hickman).