Unchanged Town dazzle cup opponents in their new kit

The Otley players anticipated their game at Addingham on Saturday with four major thoughts.

Firstly, Otley had an unchanged line up. In reality, the seeming benefits from the unchanged team actually meant that while there were no further injuries it also meant that no players had recovered sufficiently to threaten selection.

Secondly, they were wearing their dazzling new kit for the first time this season, thanks to sponsors Prospect Homes, of Otley.

Thirdly, the team would need to meet the challenge of succeeding on the long and narrow Addingham pitch.

Finally there is a feeling in the camp that this year they must perform well in the District Cup. Everyone attached to the club seems to be focussing on this competition.

The same 11 from Otley started this game as finished off last week against Brighouse - on the attack. The visitors simply swamped the home team forcing a succession of chances and with the home 'keeper left exposed far too often Otley ran up a 3-0 lead in the opening nine minutes. Fast inter-passing and good movement put the home team under enormous pressure and decisive finishing meant that Steve Boddy and Ben Hawley put Otley two up before Paul North guided home a good header from a throw-in by Tom Chadwick.

Otley continued to dominate and it was no real surprise when Steve Boddy got his second to give the visitors a 4-0 lead on 24 minutes.

Otley began to relax the pace of their game after this and Addingham were able to string together some good passing movements in midfield. Indeed, the home team got a goal back when the ball was given away in midfield by Otley and Addingham scored on 31 minutes through the impressive David Tod.

However, Otley stepped up the pace again and from a fine Lee Coonan corner Andrew Redman forced the ball home on 41 minutes and this left Otley 5-1 up at half-time.

Early in the second-half Otley brought on Paul Kelly for his first team debut and welcomed back Chris Alderson after a good series of games for the reserves. While Paul Kelly caught the eye with some determined challenges it was Chris Alderson who provided the next Otley goal beating the off-side trap and racing away to wrong foot the 'keeper to put Town 6-1 up.

Further goals were added by Dean Wagstaff, again from excellent work from Steve Boddy, and Tom Chadwick who rounded off the Otley total after dribbling around the home 'keeper for number eight.

However, Addingham were to gain a second consolation goal after Graham Bentley in the away goal, decided to embark on an unfortunate mazy dribble in his own penalty area. His choice of action provided an opportunity for Tom Reynolds, who had not given up the fight, to rob the 'keeper and the ball ended up in the net.

Otley Town Reserves 3, Beckwithshaw 1

Otley Town Reserves kept up the pressure at the top of the Harrogate and District Premier Division with an easy win against a relatively poor Beckwithshaw side.

In recent years the village team from over the hill have proved to be difficult opponents. Being near to Harrogate they have been able to attract strong players from the Harrogate area but this season they seem to be without the required quality.

Town missed a series of chances before the two youngsters; Chris Wain and Danny Royston gave the home team a 2-0 lead at half-time.

The second-half continued to be a one-sided affair but it was the visitors who scored next after defensive errors. Lee Grice, back playing his first game after injury, completed the scoring with a well-taken shot.

Otley Town A 2, Pool Reserves 1

This local derby was contested in beautiful sunshine with both teams well up for the game. The first-half was dominated by Town with Tom Wright going the closest to scoring, with a powerful drive that went just over the bar.

Town started the second-half the more positively, creating a hatfull of chances. Against the run of play, Pool scored with Leon Welsh netting from a near post drive. From the kick-off Town equalised with Richmond and Lloyd setting up a tap in for Robert Field.

Town's winner came when Lloyd broke free and slotted home from ten yards. Town's attack continued to pressurise the Pool defence, with the Campbell brothers, Johnson, Mcgee and 'keeper Danny Bradley all competent at the back. Another sound defensive display saw Nigel Smithson awarded Pool's Match Point.

This win continued Town's winning streak, clocking up wins in each of the last six games.

Pool A 0, Otley Town B 10

Otley Town ran riot in the derby game with an excellent all round team performance, short of players and the top goal scorer, the 12 that turned out had the advantage of good squad rotation and it showed.

The game was won before half-time. Sam McCaffrey was first to strike then Chris Atter, with his best performance of the season, added two further goals and there was a hat-trick from Joe Dobinson.

With solid work in midfield and defence from Carl Hughes, James Carroll and the father and son pairing of Richard and Nathan Crossley mixed with the lighting speed of wingers Robert Cross and Tom Midgley, Otley not only contained Pool but tore them apart every time they went forward.

Penalties from Ricky Hemingway and Carl Hughes and a further two strikes from Sam McCaffrey completed the rout.

This meant all four Otley Town teams won making it a great day for the club.

This was Pool's heaviest defeat for many years, and as stand-in 'keeper Glen Kitchen received their match point, one can only guess what might have been.

l On Saturday Town travel to Storthes Hall in the first round of the West Riding County Amateur Premier League Cup. Kick-off 1.45pm.

Otley Town Reserves entertain Harold Styans in a Harrogate Premier Division league game while Otley Town A play Styans reserves in a Division Two game. Both games kick -off at 2.30pm. Otley Town B are at home for the first time this month to Ripon Red Arrows. Kick-off 2.30pm.