ONLY five matches were called off last weekend, despite heavy rain during the week, and the cup backlog was eased when a few delayed ties were played.

Cross Hills enjoyed an easy victory over a poor Skipton LMS side in the Premier Division League Cup, even though the South Craven side had to make a number of changes to their team. They started well when Alan Robertson blasted a free kick into the net after only three minutes and a second goal came late in the first half when Steve Holden finished superbly.

Two goals from Damien Whiteoak early in the second half virtually settled the tie and LMS only threatened briefly but goalkeeper Nathan Barratt kept them at bay with two fine saves. Hills punished LMS further with goals from Neil Gilchrist (2) and Ian Craven.

In Division Two Bronte Wanderers stayed on course for a league and cup double with a 3-0 quarter-final victory over Embsay Reserves. From the start Bronte took the match to Embsay and could have been 4-0 up if they had taken all their chances, instead they had to settle for a 1-0 half time scoreline with Chris Smith to thank for their goal.

Bronte's poor finishing again denied them goals after the break, but in the last quarter they managed to add a further two goals through Smith and Niall Walls to earn a semi-final place. With some good matches coming up Bronte need to sharpen up their shooting skills.

Keighley Reserves started favourites against Horton after their league victory a couple of weeks ago and took control of the first half, but poor finishing and solid goal keeping denied them a goal. Both teams created chances in the second half until Keighley broke the deadlock through Bob Moorhouse. Horton equalised to take the match into extra-time which Keighley dominated, but one defensive error let in Horton who snapped up the opportunity and went through to the semi-final.

Keighley visited Colne Cricket Club in the Silentnight Premier Division and expected to pick up an easy two points, but they found a much improved Cricket Club side. Joynal Ali put Keighley ahead only for Colne to equalise before the break. The second half was end to end with Colne going ahead, but Keighley worked hard and a late corner saw Paul Storton head home an equaliser.

Bradley and Sutton produced a high scoring match in Division One when Sutton were without their regular keeper. Bradley always had their noses in front, but Sutton kept plugging away and neutralising goals with strikes from Daniel Newton (2), Andrew Clark and Dale Eastburn, but Bradley got the all-important fifth.

Cowling visited Carleton where both sides struggled to play good football in the heavy conditions. Cowling had the better of the opening stages without scoring, until Robert Foster equalised an earlier breakaway goal from Carleton, just on half time. The second half was a drab affair with neither side creating much, and the game ended in a draw.

Lothersdale Athletic were soon four goals up against Grindleton Reserves, but relaxed too much and allowed the visitors to hit back with a couple of goals which caused panic in the Dale defence.

Silsden moved into fourth place with a 3-2 victory over Skipton LMS Reserves, despite not being at their best. Martin McClennon scored the opened for Silsden and added a second before LMS pulled a goal back early in the second half, but any thoughts of a revival were dashed when Ryan Hook made it 3-1.LMS scored a second before the final whistle.

There were goals a plenty in the when Silsden Athletic met Barrowford with Silsden hitting the net five times, but the Lancashire outfit hit the net seven times in a game where the defences seemed absent. Both sides had spells when they were in the lead, but the visitors finished stronger. Simon Lilley scored a hat-trick for Silsden with Jamie Cunningham and Neil Pepper also on target.

A cold blustery day at Oxenhope saw the home side collect their second point of the season when they drew 2-2 with Skipton Town. Both teams tried hard to play football and although Oxenhope created the better chances it was Town who scored first. Michael Butterfield equalised only to see Town regain the lead from the penalty spot. Oxenhope battled way and finally got the goal they deserved when Collier made it all square.

Ilkley Juniors and Bronte Wanderers produced a great game as they battled for supremacy in the title race. Munzir Nazir scored for Bronte in the opening minute then hit the bar before Ilkley equalised. Nazir made it 2-1 midway through the half and Lee Bilborough added a third just before the break.

Ilkley came out fighting and reduced the arrears almost from the kick-off and put Bronte's defence under almost constant pressure. With minutes remaining Michael Thompson finished a solo run by rounding the keeper to secure the points for Bronte. There was high praise for the excellent attitude of both teams, and the high quality refereeing of Glyn Butterworth.

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