Oxenhope 2 Addingham 3

ADDINGHAM prepared for a clash on the infamous Oxenhope slope knowing a win was vital to ensure a rise up the league table.

The visitors started the day third from bottom but having only played one game in the last four weeks they had knew they had games in hand on the sides above them.

With Philip Smith still nursing an ankle and Simon Collins suspended, Addingham brought in Paul Sunderland from the reserves and welcomed back Jamie Barrow. Barrow had started the season in terrific form but a horrific accident at work saw him miss four games - and lose a finger.

His return was impressive and his pace caused the Oxenhope defence all sorts of problems.

Playing up the slope in the first half Addingham's plan was to play high up field and catch their hosts offside when possible.

This worked to perfection as the Oxenhope forwards found their runs halted by the referee's whistle time and time again.

Frustration grew and presented Addingham with the chance to take the lead. Kernick was felled 20 yards from goal. This allowed Jamie Barrow to curl in a free kick which left the keeper stranded but came back off the underside of the crossbar.

This was the catalyst Addingham needed and they took the lead in the 25th minute with an outstanding goal.

Rob Walker, Greg Palmer and Jez Parker combined down the right before Walker fired home into the far corner.

Oxenhope pushed on down the slope and levelled matters five minutes later. A weak shot somehow squeezed through Andy Dobson's grasp. This was the keeper's last mistake as he went on to make save after save, deservedly taking match point.

As the half drew to a close Addingham gained another free kick 20 yards out. Barrow's luck was in on this occasion as he curled a shot into the top corner to make it 2-1.

Oxenhope changed their formation to three at the back for the second half. However this attempt to gain the upper hand was to backfire. Mills, Marriott, Steer and Dickinson were all superb at the back and gave the home strikers little or no change. Aided by a strong midfield, Addingham weathered an early storm then broke forward brilliantly.

Jez Parker chipped the keeper from 12 yards to give the visitors a 3-1 lead. Oxenhope had nothing to lose and threw men forward in the final 20 minutes. Eventually, a dubious penalty was awarded, Palmer harshly penalised for a foul on the home team's skipper.

However, joy at the penalty was shortlived as the spot kick went wide. Still Oxenhope pushed forward and the deficit was reduced 12 minutes from time.

Despite a frantic final few minutes Addingham looked the more disciplined side and held on for victory.

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