Town A were unlucky not to gain a draw

Otley Town A 1

OTLEY Town's A team made the long journey to Bedale, with three of their more experienced players missing and this reflected in their performance, although they were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw.

For the second week in succssion the weather conditions played a major part in the lack of quality on display, with the majority of the 90 minutes being played in only one half of the pitch, due to the strong wind.

Town played uphill against the wind in the first-half and were unlucky to go a goal behind from the penalty spot, after the referee harshly adjudged Conway had handled the ball, when the ball struck his arm. Conway could do nothing about it, as it was a case of ball to hand.

In a rare sojourn into the opposition half, Town could have levelled when after a goalmouth scramble, a header from Conway came back off the bar and bounced to safety.

Town were again unfortunate to concede another goal, when a free-kick into the box was caught on the wind and as players from both sides attacked the ball, it eluded all of them and nestled into the corner of the net without anyone getting a touch.

Despite being 2-0 down at halftime, Town were still upbeat about gaining a victory, with the elements now in their favour.

Town threw everything at Bedale and got the breakthrough after an exchange of passing down the right saw Tom Crombleholme make the perfect cross for young Cater to finish clinically from close range.

Unfortunately despite wave after wave of attack on the Bedale goal, the bounce of the ball would not fall Town's way and they were unable to get the second goal to gain them at least a point.

Players should ring for details of this week's fixture.

l Otley Town's first team travel to Shelf in the County Cup on Saturday. Kick-off 1.30pm.

l Town Reserves travel to Steeton in the County Challenge Trophy and again the kick-off is 1.30pm.