Cross Hills got the better of Skipton Bulldogs -- in a repeat of last week's league fixture -- winning their Challenge Trophy clash 2-1.
Bulldogs had a few chances and started the better side, putting Hills under pressure, but the South Craven side weathered the storm and began to turn the match in their favour with Whiteoak going close.
After 30 minutes a Cross Hills player, already on a yellow card, was given his marching orders for a reckless tackle. Dogs worked hard to make the man advantage pay, but a superb save from Greenwood and poor finishing denied them.
The deadlock was finally broken when Whiteoak was brought down in the box, took the penalty himself, and made no mistake.
The Cross Hills defence continued to work well, denying Dogs time after time until they eventually forced an equaliser. But the Hills side were determined not to let this one slip and Whiteoak had the final say with a brilliant solo run to clinch a 'local derby' clash with Cowling in the second round. Both teams, and the referee, left the field to a standing ovation from the large crowd after a well controlled match.
Grindleton eased through by the skin of their teeth, beating Grassington United 4-3 on penalties after playing out a 4-4 draw in their second round match.
All the scheduled league matches went ahead for the first time in weeks, as pitches began to dry out slowly.
Cononley sports ran away with a 4-1 victory over Colne Cricket club in the Premier division and Embsay continued their strong performance with a 3-1 victory over Rimington.
Oxenhope Reserves entertained Haworth Reserves in a First Division derby match and put the visitors under early pressure, taking the lead through Peter Hughes. Haworth fought back well to equalise through Martin Illingworth, but Andrew Burrow restored Oxenhope's lead just before the break.
Benjamin Furness put Haworth back on level terms and the scores remained level until the closing stages when a break gave Duncan Bairstow the chance to give Oxenhope the winner.
Skipton LMS beat Bradley 3-1 and Hellifield swept to a 4-1 win at Gargrave while Carleton sneaked a 3-2 victory over Intake.
Bronte Wanderers returned to top spot in Division Two with a 2-0 victory over Barrowford United in a match packed with goalmouth action. A penalty gave bronte the lead and they added a second before the final whistle.
Cowling Reserves did well to contain the high flying Silsden Reserves who took an early lead when Darren Smith took advantage of a defensive lapse. Cowling battled hard and should have taken advantage of a strong wind at their backs to ram the ball home instead of trying to walk it into the net.
The second half saw Silsden use the ball better, but Cowling's defence held out until the last few minutes when Darren Smith followed up a rebound off the post.
Keighley Reserves continued their impressive form against a spirited Horton side who defended well with their keeper on top form in a goalless first half. Ian Shoesmith opened the scoring for Keighley as they started the second half with a rush and Lee Isherwood added a second, finishing off a superb passing move.
Sutton enjoyed another home win over bottom of the table Embsay Reserves. A strong wind and bumpy pitch made things difficult, but Sutton got to grips with the conditions and ran out 5-1 winners. They grabbed two first half goals and Embsay entertained brief hopes of glory when a penalty reduced the arrears, but a rocket shot from Steve Reape made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time.
Sutton dominated the second half and added two more goals to move into the top reaches of the table. Scorers were Gary Hanson (2), Steve Reape, Patrick Page and James McCormack.
Lothersdale Athletic visited Colne CC Reserves hoping to recover from the previous week's mauling at the hands of Hellifield, but soon found themselves on the back foot as the Lancashire side did all the attacking, and scored twice before half time.
Dale began to get their act together after the break and John Waterhouse made the breakthrough after 15 minutes. John Baker soon had them back on level terms and captain Craig Walsh snatched a late winner with a low shot through a crowded penalty area.
League cup matches start in all divisions this weekend, weather permitting, with Premier Division cup holders Oxenhope at home to Colne Cricket Club. Cross Hills face a difficult tie at Addingham and in Division One Haworth Reserves entertain Intake. Lothersdale and Grassington Reserves meet at Marley Stadium in Division Three.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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