Baildon Trinity Ath 1
East End Park WMC 1
After a dreadful result Baildon looked to bounce back against a much improved Park side. Due to the heavy midweek rain, the host's pitch was a little sticky and both teams found it difficult to adapt.
Baildon were trying out an ambitious 3-4-3 formation in a bid to gain an early advantage. However, there were few chances in the first period as both teams cancelled each other out with strong defending and the game was deadlocked at the break.
It was difficult to see where a breakthrough was going to come from. Baildon had to increase their work rate if they were going to make any inroads in the game.
The second-half began the same as the first with both teams working hard to break each other down. Ten minutes after the break Baildon scored out of the blue.
A cross from the right should have been dealt with by the 'keeper but a shocking fumble allowed Andy Haron to bundle home from close range.
Baildon were ahead and as the game wore on, it looked as though the goal would settle the contest. Baildon missed two gilt-edged chances, Nick James and Paul Clarke the culprits. Unfortunately for Trinity, they were made to rue these missed chances and three minutes from time, the East End number 11 was allowed to run at the defence and a gap opened for him to drive home.
Baildon were very disappointed but a share of the spoils was probably a fair result. Baildon still top the Division but with just one point from the last two games, the gap is closing.
l Baildon entertain Tadcaster Magnet Sports on Saturday.
Otley Wharfeside 5
Liquorice Bush 2
ANOTHER Sunday, another victory for Otley Wharfeside. The game began at a quick pace and was end-to-end with Otley remaining strong at the back whilst putting the visitors' defence under constant pressure.
Aston Pullan was a constant threat and Graham Hawksby was strong in the air. The defence of Allen, Pinder, Irwin and J Lees was solid and dealt with any problems.
Otley scored first when Nathan Lunn cut the ball back for Tony Lane to finish well. There was some good flowing football from Wharfeside.
Wharfeside began the second -half well and were quickly on the offensive again. Lane and Jackson were solid in the middle and Dave Pennial made some strong runs. Pullan scored but Bush struck back from a free-kick. Otley were not going to drop the tempo. Craig Wilkinson made two crucial saves and his quick vision launched numerous attacks.
A good save kept out a Hawksby effort, and Lane hit the bar. Bateman smashed the ball in and Pullan scored again. Man-of-the-Match Nathan Lunn netted a penalty in the last minute. Wharfeside never looked in trouble in the game but know they must raise the bar for Sunday's game against Premier Division side Keighley in the League Cup. (Meet 9am at Wharfemeadows).
It was a good, solid team performance with great individual performances from Aston Pullan and Dave Pennial.
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