Otley Wharfeside 6

Crown Celtic 1

WHARFESIDE went into this game on a high after some good recent performances. With the referee pulling out late Otley found a good replacement in PHGS schoolteacher Pete Latham.

Wharfeside started brighter, keeping possession for long periods and producing some penetrating football. Otley always looked dangerous going forward with good work by Ashley and Penniall supported well by the midfield. A long clearance was met by Penniall, who rounded a couple of defenders and powered home.

Pullan then sent a perfect through ball for Penniall to hit a second. Otley kept it tight in midfield Birch, Jackson and Allen all doing their bit. Wharfeside were soon three up, Penniall again with a trade mark run and another good finish. Aston Pullan added a penalty for a healthy lead.

Otley expected a tougher second-half and dealt with any pressure well. Pinder and Joey held strong in the middle and with Ric Jackson and J Lees being given the opportunity to go forward they added an extra dimension to Otley's attack. R Lees, Carl Hughes and Dave Bateman were all called upon from the subs bench as Otley suffered with injuries. R Lees suffered a nasty injury and Otley were down to ten.

They responded in the right way, attacking on the break and Carl Hughes rounded a defender and finished well. The drama did not end there, though, as Otley started playing with real confidence creating more chances.

Ten was soon nine when Joey went off injured and still Otley held out until a deep cross caught them out for a consolation goal. Wharfeside were to have the last word though when Penniall picked up on half-way and ran on, rounding the 'keeper twice to slot home.

This was Otley's biggest ever win and they cannot be denied the credit for what was a superb all-round performance. Penniall took the match point for his goals and endless battling.

Otley Wharfeside would like to thank Pete Latham for standing in. Players are asked to ring Joe for details of the next game.

Yeadon Town 1

Otley Wharfeside 2

OTLEY continued their trend of playing poorly in the first-half, creating few chances and going behind to an early goal.

The team continued to work hard as they chased the game and some good battling in midfield by Pullan and Birch was matched by some superb defending.

Wharfeside began the second-half with renewed vigour, continuing to battle hard and looking for the equaliser. A mix-up gave Penniall an open goal.

There was some strong defending, backed up by Wilkinson who made some outstanding saves.

The game went back and forth as both sides looked for the winner and Otley's fitness began to show. Minutes from the end Penniall's miss-hit floated over the 'keeper to give Wharfeside the win.

This was a thoroughly deserved win for Otley who battled hard and always tried to play attractive football. Hoey was Man-of-the-Match.

Battling Trinity

gain two wins

Baildon Trinity 2

Rothwell Athletic 0

A below par Baildon struggled to overcome bottom club Rothwell Athletic in a West Yorkshire Division One match that did not get off the ground until the second-half. The home side just could not get into their stride and Rothwell gave as good as they got.

After the interval, it looked even worse for Baildon when midfielder Paul Clarke was sent off for abusing the referee and they lost striker Stuart Taylor through injury.

However, the ten men suddenly lifted their game, with Gavin Renton making several forays down the wing vacated by Clarke. Rothwell came under increasing pressure but it still took an own goal to open the scoring. As Andy Haran moved in to head the ball struck a Rothwell defender and beat the 'keeper.

Baildon created and wasted a host of scoring chances. They did add one more goal through substitute Darren Thornton. Renton earned the match point.

Baildon Trinity 2

Sandy Lane 1

Baildon won this vital promotion battle by showing tremendous character allied to a fair amount of skill.

A goal down at half-time through a Richard Walker own goal, they battled back and two superb crosses by Chris Rossendale and Gavin Renton allowed Stuart Taylor to head in twice.

However, it did take a magnificent save from home 'keeper Craig Edwards to deny Allan Nevison a late equaliser.