Oxenhope make history as they battle into last eight

With both their pitch and Howden Clough's pitch ruled out by the weather, the tie was played on the artificial grass at Marley.

Visitors Howden took the lead on five minutes, and things could have got worse for the hosts when they conceded a penalty, Sam Lee producing a top-drawer save.

On the quarter hour, Oxenhope levelled when a Dan Moriarty corner was flicked on by Liam McNicol, and Jason Walton chested the ball into the path of Leon Smith, who finished.

However, the visitors regained the advantage on the half-hour, Oxenhope missing three chances before the break and forcing the Howden keeper to make save after save in the second half.

The pressure told on 55 minutes when a cross from Tom Marshall was despatched into the top right-hand corner from distance by a Moriarty swerver.

The home side were now in control, and took the lead on the hour when, from a Moriarty corner, Scott Nelson hammered the ball home.

Within minutes, Oxenhope had a two-goal advantage when man of the match Craig Morris ran at the defence and drove the ball beyond the keeper.

The home side were camped in the visitors’ half but back came Howden, who swept a cross into the far corner.

The visitors pushed for the equaliser and Oxenhope had to battle to keep them at bay, Lee pulling off another smart save and a cross rolling agonisingly along the goal-line.

Both teams were now tiring as the pitch took its toll but the tie was made safe on 85 minutes when Moriarty put Josh Kaine through and he smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Oxenhope now travel to Settle United next month.

* A MINUTE’S silence was held before Oxenhope's County Cup tie with Howden Clough in honour of club president Duncan Frazer, who passed away earlier last week at the age of 83.

Duncan had been a stalwart at Oxenhope for over 70 years, having played and managed the club.

His funeral takes place on Monday, January 26 (11am) at St Mary's Church in Oxenhope.