Otley Town 3

Eastmoor 2

TWO in-form sides produced a cracker of a League Cup-tie for Division One sides in the Mumtaz County Amateur League.

The home team carried the colours of the Wharfedale Observer into the next round courtesy of an extra time goal from Lee Grice, the same player who took the game into extra-time with a headed goal late into normal time.

Town started brightly and were soon on the scoresheet when leading scorer James Firth latched onto his fellow striker Grice's through ball to finish superbly. This stung the visitors into action and their impressive striking duo combined to hit the bar.

However, Town regained the initiative through their midfield in which Joe Lunn was to prove outstanding and Ross Barron was not far behind. Unfortunately they were unable to build on their lead, indeed the visitors hit the bar again, and had to be satisfied with the narrowest of leads at half-time.

The second-half started with the visitors dominant although Mark Currie nearly added to Town's lead with a rasping drive on 55 minutes. The visitor's pressure finally told on the hour mark when an under hit clearance was quickly latched onto, and consequently buried by the Eastmoor front man.

Ben Hawley, another impressive performer for Town, combined well with James Firth but the latter's shot cleared the bar and the visitors again pressed and were rewarded when they headed home from a corner.

Town geared up to fight for the equaliser and with 10 minutes to go Martin Ibbetson pulled the rabbit from the hat when he sent on youngster Graeme Hutchison.

His impact was immediate as he soon became involved in setting up Grice for the equaliser. He nearly gave Town the lead with a brave header, set up a half chance for Firth and following a good, penetrating run nearly became provider for Grice again but the latter's chip went just over.

To complete an action-packed last 10 minutes Mark Currie was denied by some brave goalkeeping.

So extra time and Town's keeness at training nights was to hold them in good stead. They scored the early goal through Grice, skipper Ian Wolfenden the provider, and having gained the upper hand retaine

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