Pudsey LIBS 0

OTLEY TOWN 3

OTLEY Town progressed smoothly into the semi-finals of the West Riding County Amateur League Division One Cup with this comprehensive victory.

They now join Salts OB, Farnley and Dudley Hill in the draw which will be made at the league meeting in February.

This victory was just the tonic Town needed following a disappointing display against Rawdon Old Boys which saw them drop league points.

Indeed those dropped points have cost Town their position at the head of Division One with Stump Cross having taken over the leadership.

Town went into this cup tie with a re-jigged side when full-backs Ben Hawley, who had dropped a radiator on his foot, and Anthony Gilmartin, a flu victim, were missing.

Gareth Reynolds and Andrew Redman moved from the middle of the back four to guard the flanks while Ian Wolfenden and Paul North provided the heart of the defence.

Joe Lunn was given a start in midfield with Richard Langhorn and James Firth combining up front.

It looked as if a tricky game was in prospect on a small pitch and with windy conditions.

Town elected to play into the gale but were soon into their stride making light of the conditions.

They put the home goal under seige but their shooting boots had apparently been left behind.

The home 'keeper did have to save well from James Firth but Town did not get rattled and even though Pudsey hit the bar in a rare moment of danger Town held on and eventually broke the deadlock when Firth and Langhorn combined for Firth to score.

The second-half was a scrappy affair at the start and despite having the wind at their backs Town failed to dominate as they had done earlier.

Tom Dixon went wide with a rasping shot on the hour and Andy Pickering did well when called into action in goal.

Pudsey were definitely in the game at this stage but when Gareth Reynolds drove deep into the heart of the home defence Firth was on hand with a backheader which looped tantalisingly over the 'keeper.

Despite one or two moments of danger Town were rarely troubled and Richard Langhorn rounded off the day with a well placed shot.

It sealed a good performance which saw Town almost back to their free flowing best and it gives impetus for the league games to come.

These start with a home game on Saturday against Overthorpe SC which kicks-off at 2.15 pm.

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