Otley Town gain a good point at Campion

Otley Town...............1

TOWN gained a creditable point as they opened their campaign in the Premier Division of the West Riding County Amateur League.

Their opponents were long time front runners for the title last season so Town can take great heart from their performance which saw them take the initiative in the first-half which they won courtesy of an opening goal from skipper Ian Wolfenden.

Youngster Graeme Hutchison was to the fore as Town created several half chances before the goal which came from a partially cleared corner. The home side were dangerous on the break but Town's defence, in which Paul North was outstanding, held firm in front of the alert David Kirkpatrick in goal.

The second-half was a different story as the home side showed Town what life in the Premier will be like - tough! Kirkpatrick was called on early and saved well from a corner as Campion mounted a substantial spell of pressure in the Town half. Some slight relief was gained when Lee Grice and Carl Kernick combined for the latter to get the ball in the net but he was denied for handball.

Hutchison's long shot was deflected and well saved before Campion deservedly equalised. Some intricate play around half-way released Dennis Lewis who finished nicely with a well placed shot into the corner.

The seige continued but Town held on and were grateful to a horrendous miss from Pelter just before time. He can have been no more than three yards out but contrived to head the ball wide. This would have been rough justice on Town if his effort had found the net.

By the time this report is 'printed' Town will have entertained Crag Road on Wednesday, August 23, and will then be awaiting the visit of County Cup winners Storthes Hall on Saturday, August 26 - kick-off is 2.30pm. Littletown are then the visitors to the Old Showfield for a 6.15 kick-off on Wednesday, August 30.