Otley Town 1, Wibsey 1

Because Champions and current League leaders Silsden have already been accepted into the North West Counties for season 2004/05, it may be that for this season alone, the County Amateur Premier League will decide on a single relegation place.

Should this be the case then this rather fortunate home point against fellow strugglers Wibsey will see Otley Town "safe" even though there are six remaining league games.

With the wind bordering on gale force, this game at the Old Showfield was nothing more than a lottery and should never have been played.

For most of the 90 minutes we had a situation where 22 players were on one pitch and the ball was on another consequently any attempt to play football was futile.

However, once the referee had made his decision, manager Gordon Rayner opted for an adventurous 3-5-2 formation.

Making his full debut in midfield was ex-pro Roger Eli. Up front partnering Lee Grice was Graeme Hutchison back from a three-month injury lay off.

From the kick-off Wibsey adapted better to the abysmal conditions, correctly keeping their passing short, precise and on the ground. Town, on the other hand were trying to play long passes - a hopeless prospect.

Nevertheless for all their lack of quality possession it was Otley who managed to create the three clear-cut chances of the half. Graham Hutchison stumbled in the act of shooting, then Lee Grice blazed over the bar and finally Tom Chadwick scuffed his shot, with only the 'keeper to beat.

Grice following up intelligently at the far post almost made something of it but unfortunately fired past the opposite post.

Half-time came and wisely the officials considered abandoning the game but by this time both managers, having started, wished to continue, so on we went.

Wibsey resumed where they had left off holding the upper hand with an effective bespoke method of play and it was no more than they deserved, but bad luck on Otley's 'keeper, when they took the lead after 15 minutes.

First a fine shot by a breaking Wibsey forward was superbly saved at full stretch by Bentley, then having re-gathered himself he saved again at point blank range the follow up.

Just when it appeared danger had been averted Paul North in endeavouring to clear his lines appeared from nowhere and ran the ball into his own net. Now Town were in trouble because time wasting was the easiest of tasks in the monsoon conditions and not surprisingly Wibsey indulged themselves.

Town threw on substitutes Paul Harrison, Matthew Vosper and Dean Wagstaff in an attempt to salvage something and it was the latter who broke Wibsey's resistance two minutes into injury time.

Latching onto a through pass Wagstaff, showing great strength in holding off an illegal challenge, composed himself and to the relief of the Otley contingent, drilled the ball into the bottom corner.

In a game where the conditions were the ultimate winners best for Otley were Pearson and Bentley.

l On Saturday Otley Town are at home to Ovenden. Kick off 2.30pm.