Otley Town 0 , Silsden 1

This game was billed internally as a very special game. The first league game of the new season, new coaching staff in charge, several players making their first team appearances under the new regime - all against last year's unbeaten champions who won three cups and retained the County Cup.

Silsden are the Manchester United of the County Amateur League and must be respected and approached as such.

The champions arrived over an hour early for the game and gave an insight into how a fully prepared and successful club are organised. A well rehearsed warm up routine, in warm up kit; specialist support for the goalkeeper; two people providing the physio role, and a manager to sort out the non playing issues for the coach. In short, everything organised to allow the playing staff to concentrate on a good performance.

However, the Silsden players did not anticipate the difficult time they were to experience as they begin the defence of their title against a new Otley. Playing a 4-5-1 formation designed to stifle and contain the Silsden side, while allowing the chance to break forward, the Otley team set about their task in a businesslike manner and more than held their own throughout the first -half.

Graham Bentley gave an impressive display commanding his area well and talking to his back four throughout. Sam Dexter and Ben Hawley managed to provide excellent cover for the wide players in the five man midfield and adapted very well to their specific tasks for this match. The Otley centre-backs, Paul North and Terry Pearson both looked in commanding form against a capable pairing up front for the visitors.

The game flowed from end to end with every yard having to be won for both sides. Otley looked good in midfield where, playing wide on the right Mark Whitwood showed a level of energy and pace in his forward runs that was quite remarkable.

On the left Graham Hutchinson showed his versatility with a gritty display both in attack and defence.

Joe Lunn, Steve Sullivan and Ian Wolfenden formed an effective barrier centrally in midfield and helped break down many Silsden moves and then launch good counter attacks. All of this meant Driver was to experience a lonely time up front as the outlet player, as well as being allocated a specific role to shadow the Silsden captain and sweeper.

A good crowd (for Otley), enjoyed a display of commitment and skill by both teams. Throughout the first-half Otley really impressed with their commitment and discipline. Several Silsden players began to get unsettled as the game was not going the way they had expected.

Several reasonable chances were created as Hutchinson and Driver went close. From a 25 yard free-kick Sam Dexter's pile-driver drew a good save.

The one really dangerous moment for Otley came when a stunning shot on the volley rattled the Otley bar. Late in the first-half Ian Wolfenden went off with a knee problem and Steve Boddy came on.

At half-time there was a much better feeling in the home dressing room that was evident in that of the visitors. Whitwood, who was emerging as a growing influence, had to be withdrawn with a foot injury. Chris Alderson then became the second enforced change.

Otley continued to play well and compete for every ball. Many chances were made as they enjoyed their best period yet. Many excellent chances and opportunities came - and unfortunately went to no advantage. Alderson, Sullivan, Hutchinson (twice), Lunn and Driver (twice) all had chances to break the deadlock but the final passes or shot only brought despairing cries of disappointment from the Otley supporters.

The thought that these unconverted chances would eventually be their downfall became a reality as Silsden's wide player was allowed too much room and a speculative cross drifted on the breeze and dropped in the far top corner for an undeserved and unexpected lead.

This fluke goal did not deter Otley and they continued to press forward and create chances. The second pivotal moment of the game saw Driver break free and get around the 'keeper, who was out of his area, with an empty goal in front of him. The 'keeper blatantly brought the forward down, just outside the area. With everyone expecting the red card no action was taken apart from a free-kick which was curled over the bar. Otley then switched to a 3-5-2 formation in attempt to force forward for the last 15 minutes. Dean Wagstaff made a couple of breaks, the second forcing a save.

Otley were tiring towards the end as they had given a huge effort for so long. The team shape got too long and the Silsden players began to show just how good they were if given time and space. Otley can be very proud of their performance.

Defeat, when it came was with honour - and the respect of the visitors. At present, the gap between the clubs is vast. However, the gap between the teams is small. If Richard Langhorn and Lee Grice had been available Otley would have had some extra class and power to trouble the visitors. Otley can look forward to the next game against the champions with optimism.