Oxenhope Recreation reached the semi-final of the Northern Plant Hire Challenge Trophy with a 2-1 victory over Embsay.

Defences took command in a tentative first half with both teams determined not to leave gaps at the back. Chances were few and the opening period ended goalless.

The game followed a similar pattern after the break and with extra time looming Oxenhope scored from the penalty spot. Embsay were forced onto the attack and Oxenhope took advantage of gaps at the back to snatch a second.

Embsay soon pulled one back, and laid siege to the Oxenhope goal for the last five minutes in a desperate attempt to force the game into extra time, but oxenhope's defence held firm. They now meet league leaders Silsden in the semi-final on April 10.

In Division Two Silsden Reserves beat Addingham Reserves 3-0 to earn semi-final place. They ended their recent dip in form with a good display, although bottom club Addingham put up a good display without being able to match Silsden up front. Silsden now meet Sutton in the semi-final at Sutton on April 10.

In the Skipton Building Society Premier Division Silsden closed the gap on leaders Oxenhope to one point, with three matches in hand, when they defeated relegation-threatened Haworth. It was not a classic match as Haworth defended stoutly, but they were unable to to prevent Silsden scoring three times, Haworth pulled a goal back, but were not able to halt the champions-elect.

Keighley moved into third place with a hard earned victory at Addingham who are also struggling to avoid relegation. Keighley were not at their best and were thankful for the final whistle as they hung on for two points.

Cross Hills travelled to Rimington looking for both points to keep their distant title hopes alive, while the Ribble Valley club needed the points to keep out of the relegation zone. Both sides played some good football with t he score fluctuating throughout until the final 2-2 draw left Rimington a little happier than the Cross Hills side, the point ensured they will still be playing Premier football next season.

In Division Two Sutton strolled to their 16th win of the season with a 4-0 victory over barnoldswick United. The visitors offered little opposition and Sutton were always in command and could easily have doubled their score. With six matches left they need just five points to secure promotion.

Bronte Wanderers keep up the chase after defeating Cowling Reserves 7-3. The South Craven side now look doomed to go down, but Bronte's rediscovered scoring touch may have come just too late to earn promotion. They served up some excellent football on a bumpy pitch, but must now keep winning and hope that Clitheroe drop points if they are to sneak a promotion place.

In Division three Lothersdale Athletic's title hopes suffered a blow when they visited Intake Reserves and went down 4-2. Dale produced a dismal performance, falling behind to an early goal and fighting their way back, only to go behind again. They equalised a second time but once they were two goals down there was no way back. With six difficult matches left Dale cannot afford to drop another point as the chasing pack are only a point adrift, and Dale's match in hand could be the vital ace in their pack.

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