Let us hope that 1999 sees a drier start and more commitment.

Moans aside, the Craven Football League still managed to complete a number of matches but the earlier deadlines in Christmas week means reports are brief.

Two matches were played n the Northern Plant HIre Challenge Trophy and both turned out to be close run affairs.

Cross Hills, at home to Cowling, looked favourites to go through against a side which propped up the table but defences were on top throughout. Chances did come but were spurned and after 90 minutes the scoresheet was blank. Extra time came and went with no goals, heralding the dreaded penalty shoot out, which went Cowling's way by three penalties to one.

In the next round Cowling will meet Keighley FC, who went to Skipton Town, scored in the opening minutes and looked set for a good day at the office.

But Town, at the foot of the Division One, proved sterner stuff though and they battled hard against a Keighley side which plays good football but sometimes lack the killer punch in front of goal.

Both sides enjoyed periods of ascendancy and at either end goal bound shots were diverted or saved. In the second half Town pounded the Keighley defence, then it was the visitors' turn so that when the final whistle blew, that early goal made all the difference in an entertaining match which was a credit to both sides.

In the Division Two League Cup match between the Uniteds of Barnoldswick and Barrowford no referee turned up. Efforts to find an official failed so a Barrowford player took on the responsibility and performed to everyone's satisfaction.

At the end of 90 minutes the scores were locked at 2-2 but the delay in attempting to find an official meant that it was too dark to play extra time and so a reply will have to be arranged.

Skipton Bulldogs Reserves progressed to the next round at the expense of Cowling Reserves. They were always that bit sharper up front and went through 3-1 to entertain Clitheroe United in the quarter finals.

In the Diivison Three Cup tie Colne Cricket Club won 3-1 at home against Ilkley Juniors Youth.

Premier League

In the league, Skipton Bulldogs played their first match for some weeks and secured two welcome points with a 3-1 victory over struggling Addingham, the only result in the Premier League.

Bradley went to the top of Division One with a 2-2 draw with Grindleton, coming back from being 2-0 down soon after half time with Matthew Cox and Steven Davidson rescuing matters.

At Oxenhope Reserves another referee failed to appear for their match with Gargrave and the sides took turns to officiate. Oxenhope led 2-0 before Steve Newton pulled one back. Oxenhope restored a two goal lead but Ben Ashby scored Gargrave's second and laid siege to the home side's goal but the final whistle brought relief and points to Oxenhope.

Carleton paid the price for a lethargic performance as they went down 5-0 at home to Intake.

Among the three matches played in Division Two, Sutton United reduced the gap at the top to one point when they defeated Skipton LMS Reserves 9-1, despite falling behind in the first minute to a goal from a corner.

Clitheroe United moved into third after a 5-0 victory at Addingham - another match where the referee did not turn up aznd Keighley FC Reserves drew 2-2 with Embsay Reserves.

Two of the three leading teams in Division Three clashed at Lothersdale, who conceded a goal to Hellifield Reserves in the first minute, scored by Michael Summers.

An own goal drew Lothersdale level but Hellifield soon regained their lead when Summers beat at defender to slot the ball home. Lothersdale dominated after the interval and Philip Richardson equalised and then Craig Walsh put them in front.

However, it was Hellifield's turn to fight back and Andrew Dobson snatched an equaliser with seconds remaining.

Grassington United opened up a one point lead at the top with a 7-0 win over Earby, outclassed from start to finish.

Waddington and Bradley Reserves shared eight goals, Bradley's coming from Thom Pinder, John Hopkinson (2) and Ray Waddington scoring for Bradley,

Cononley Sports Reserves thrashed next door neighbours Carleton 10-0 with goals from James Calvert (3), Dean Simpson, David Mason, Robert Akrigg, Ewan Scarr, Paul Cavin and Charles Calvert (2).

Scorers have been given when phoned through to the league secretary.

The Craven Football League wishes all players, officials and supporters a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.