Tension is taking its toll on the top teams as the run-in to the end of season gets underway.

The top teams in each division struggled last weekend, with only Oxenhope Recreation managing to record a win after clawing themselves back from 2-0 down against bottom club Carleton.

Division One leaders Lothersdale Athletic had to rely on penalties to make get through to the semi-final of the Devonshire Carpets Cup against Colne Shepherds, a team they beat convincingly just two weeks ago. On this occasion both defences cancelled each other out in the first half with few chances being created, and shots on goal were non-existent.

Colne rocked the boat in the first minute of the second half when they scored a fine goal. Lothersdale tried hard to get their attack going, but Colne repelled everything thrown at them.

It began to look as though Dale's dreams of the double were going to disappear until John Lawrence forced home the equaliser late in the game. Extra time produced not further goals and the game went to penalties with Lothersdale converting their first five attempts, and although Colne slotted four they failed with the fifth attempt to let Dale through by the skin of their teeth.

Oxenhope's Premier Division game against Carleton, who have picked up only seven points, saw the bottom club race into a two goal lead. Gradually Oxenhope settled and began to attack the Carleton defence with Chris Day pulling a goal back from a corner.

Carleton were still causing problems on attack, but Chris Smith made it all square with a second for Recreation on half time.

Bother sides were looking for a winner in the second half and after prolonged pressure Day snatched the winner as Oxenhope collected three valuable points. They could prove very valuable as challengers Embsay and Skipton LMS played out a 1-1 draw.

Bronte Wanderers visited relegation threatened Intake, while Bronte also needed the points to make themselves safe. For the first quarter Bronte were in command and good have made the game safe, but their finishing was poor and intake began to take control and came close to scoring. The threat spurred Bronte into action and Munzir Nazir scored the opener which was quickly followed by an Intake own goal.

Bronte made it 3-0 on the re-start when Liam Blacka scored on his first team debut. Intake hit back with a goal from the penalty spot and briefly threatened, but the points were made safe when Stewart Nicholson converted a penalty to wrap up the game.

Cross Hills reserves travelled to Division Two table-toppers Barrowford United who were looking for three points to secure promotion. They started well with a goal from a corner and pushed Hills back in defence for most of the first half.

The South Craven side held firm and began to grow in confidence. They created more chances in the second half, giving Barrowford a far from easy ride. However, they still held a one goal advantage and held out until almost the final whistle when James French rounded the keeper and slotted home to earn Cross Hills a point.

Cowling Reserves also upset the apple cart when they halted Bradley's progress in Division Three by securing a 4-2 victory.

Despite a strong opening from Cowling, Bradley opened the scoring with a scrambled effort, but Cowling settled quickly and drew level through a Ben Allwood goal.

They hit a purple patch in the second half with three goals in as many minutes to shatter Bradley's resolve. The goals came from Eddie Jenkins, Lee Complin and Robert Matthews. Bradley managed a second goal, but didn't look like pulling back the deficit.