A fine dry day -- a rarity this season -- meant that almost a full programme went ahead last weekend, and clubs were able to make a slight inroad into the fixture backlog.

The race for the Premier Division title warmed up with leaders Cross Hills losing their first match in 13 games. Keighley's 2-1 victory brought them back into the reckoning.

Hills turned in a lack-lustre performance, although the result hinged on a couple of debatable refereeing decisions. The leaders created few chances and the Keighley side were much sharper on the ball and played the better football in the first half, but could not hit the back of the net.

They finally broke their duck in the second period and Joynal Ali's opener was soon followed by a second. Hills stepped up a gear and scored through Alan Robertson to give them a chance of a point, but despite being under siege in the closing minutes Keighley stood firm.

Oxenhope Recreation entertained Skipton LMS knowing they could not afford to drop further points if they are to be in with a shout of the title. The visitors started strongly and had the Oxenhope defence back-pedalling, the weathered the storm and began to counter attack, but suddenly found themselves a goal down. Skipton kept their lead until the second half when Oxenhope got into their stride and began to push the ball about. A bullet header from James Bailey levelled the scored. Oxenhope continued to dominate, creating many chances which were spurned, until in the closing seconds a clean header from Christopher Ellis whistled past the LMS keeper for the winning goal.

Oxenhope Recreation Reserves finally recorded their first win of the season in Division One with a 3-2 victory over title-chasing St Pauls. A mix up in venue led to a later start but both teams settled down, trying to play good football on a sticky surface. Oxenhope were first to score through Andrew Burrow and took their lead into the interval. The second half saw play swing from end to end with Oxenhope looking the more settled and goals from Simon Knaggs and Michael Sharp put them well on top.

Saints pulled back with two goals and looked certain to score an equaliser until time ran out, giving Oxenhope their first victory.

Sutton were looking for a repeat victory over Hellifield Sports when the teams met for the second week, but the South Craven side were without three key players and the re-shuffled team to get their act together. Hellifield were always sharper and led 2-1 at the interval.

They added two more goals in the second half with Sutton scoring a second, their scorers were Gareth Brown and Dale Eastbury.

Cowling were looking to keep their winning run going when they entertained Bradley, and should have taken the lead from the kick off when a Martin Brown effort was bundled off the line. Pressure from Cowling eventually brought the opening goal when Jody Procter's shot beat the flailing Bradley keeper. Cowling should have gone in at half time with five or six goals in the bag, but chances were wasted.

Bradley shone in the second half, but Cowling's defence was equal to the task until Bradley sneaked an equaliser to snatch a point.

Division Two leaders Bronte Wanderers made the long trip to Horton and came away with two points to keep their title hopes alive. Bronte dominated the first half, but their only goal came from a Neil Rollins penalty.

Horton rarely troubled the Bronte defence, but a quick break brought a corner which was headed home. Resolute defending kept Bronte at bay until Michael Thompson found the back of the net.

Keighley Reserves visited Barnoldswick Untied and came back with a point from a 1-1 draw after an excellent game. Keighley just shaded the first half with some good approach football, but did not score until Anthony Cooper forced a goal just before the break. Barnoldswick pulled out all the stops in the second half but Keighley defended well until a penalty gave the home side a share of the points.

Cowling Reserves failed to come to terms with a bumpy pitch against Skipton LMS Reserves. They were unable to play their close passing football while LMS rode their luck throughout and gratefully accepted the three chances that came their way.

Silsden Athletic were at home to Lothersdale and despite both sides having weakened teams they managed to play good football. There was plenty of goal action in the first half with Lothersdale taking the lead three times, the goals coming from Martin Croaks, and own goal and John Lawrence, but each time Silsden drew level with Jamie Cunningham completing a first half hat-trick.

Defences tightened up after the break and a draw looked the likely result until Dale were awarded a penalty which was well saved by Steve Drummond. In the dying seconds a corner to Silsden Athletic was put straight into the net by Christopher Fowler, earning his side the points.

Bronte wanderers Reserves closed the gap on Division Three leaders Settle United with a narrow 2-1 home victory. Bronte dominated in the opening stages, but the final ball was wanting. A rare break gave Settle the lead from the penalty spot before Sarfraz Gulzar equalised.

Settle began to stretch the Bronte defence after the break, but they failed to convert any chances. The Keighley side finally got their act together when Gulzar provided the perfect cross for David Brainbridge to head home the winner.

Silsden could only raise 10 men for their League Cup match at Gargrave Reserves, but they were always in command against a young Gargrave team. John Snell, struggling with the effects of flu, opened the scoring and Ryan Hook added a second to give Silsden a quarter-final trip to Barrowford United.

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