Oxenhope Recreation FC

 With Storm Boelo brewing I decided to keep this Saturdays game local and opted for the West Yorkshire League in the pituresque village of Oxenhope, terminus of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and home to some excellent Fish and Chips and a hidden gem of a cake shop! The opposition were Gomersal and Cleckheaton, a side I had visited last season and who boast some impressive players.

I had a soft spot for Oxenhope as they were very helpful in sending me a pin badge last season, as a collector these things are appreciated and I made it my mission to visit this season although I could not have picked a worse day weather wise. Out in the wilds and the rough terrain of open countryside the swirling wind and torrential rain left me sodden at full time and I remained in that state until I got home and changed 2.5 hours later. I travelled via bus, into Leeds, into Keighley, where I took in breakfast at Asda Cafe and then through to Oxenhope on the Brontebus to Hebden Bridge. I went down to the railway upon arrival and was pleased to see the big open coal fire burning in the ticket office, the brief heat was most welcome. After watching the steam train depart I wandered around the town two or three times, visiting all it had to offer bar the pub as it wasn't the weather for a pint. I topped up on snacks in the local Co Op before having some of the best Fish and Chips I have had for a long time, a small portion for £8.20 and worth every penny. I then found one of these modern crazes of home bakeries which consists of a shed in the garden full of delights if you have a sweet tooth, I took a lion bar mud pie, a NY style spider cookie and a piece of banana bread for a tenner which I dropped in the money box, Claires Bakes and Cakes, highly recommended.

Upon kick off I was the only supporter there, stood in a small metal structure trying to stay warm and dry but fighting a loosing battle. However about another 30 or so people turned up and we got underway. The pitch beforehand was lovely but it soon desended into a mud bath. Both teams struggled with the wind Gomersal over hitting many balls and Oxenhope struggling to get forward at all. The pavillion I was pleased to see sold hot drinks and at a bargain price of £1. Just after the half hour mark the home side took the lead against the run of play and the elements, a low cross in from the left bundled home, however just before half time a good move and even better finish made it 1.1 and there was still time for the away side to take the lead from a throw in which was twice cleared but eventually fell to the forward who tapped in before the whistle.

The second half was a real battle of atrition with nobody enjoying being out there and very few chances to note, however minutes before the end Oxenhope equalised only for the linesmans flag to go up, after consulting with the referee it was deemed offside. If correct he did remarkably to spot through a whole host of bodies. The away side taking an away win they won't forget in a hurry and who knows when Oxenhope will next stage a game if the elements persist.

The ground itself is set amongst parkland with the public footpath running past also acting as the perimeter of the pitch for spectators to watch, I found it quite strange that every now and then a passer by came through without even flinching that there was a football match on. Still it oozes character and I have to say I recommend the West Yorkshire League to anyone, great entertainment and some excellent venues.