Littletown 4

Otley Town 2

A SECOND cup exit, this time it was the League Cup, has made the start to the New year rather disappointing for Otley Town.

No complaints, though, about this defeat against a side who were quickly out of the blocks and had Town on the back foot from the time Atter saved a second minute penalty to the 35th minute when Paul Riordan completed his hat-trick.

Littletown are currently second in Division One of the Mumtaz West Riding County Amateur League and it showed. Crisp passing aligned with plenty of pace is the hallmark of their game and te well manicured surface of the Beck Lane ground is an ideal stage for this type of game.

Town found this out very quickly and when Ben Hawley rather ungraciously shoved their left-winger in the back 'keeper Aidy Atter made a magnificent save from the ensuing penalty.

A free-kick gave the home side the lead with a well placed shot from Riordan looping over the wall into the unguarded near corner of the post.

A second on 20 minutes followed the breakdown of a Town attack and the third was headed home from close range to leave Town looking in grave danger of conceding a big score. They are made of stern stuff these days and a run down the left by Firth resulted in a spectacular headed goal from Graham Hutchinson just before the break.

Following the interval Town, not for the first time this season, started to play. Chances were created but the finishing touch was lacking until James Firth broke to score the type of goal we have come to associate with him.

Unfortunately, having pulled themselves back into the game, a needlessly conceded free-kick led to the fourth and final Littletown goal. Riordan was again the scorer but Town's defensive line-up for this set piece was not as good as it could have been. For all that it was disappointing for Town the game was quite entertaining.

l The League now beckons with the visit of Eastmoor this weekend, 2.00pm kick-off.

Kirkby Malzeard 2

Town Reserves 2

This was another good, solid all-round team performance from Town Reserves against a big side which has been rolling teams over in recent weeks.

Town welcomed new signing Richard Lanshorn who was previously on Braddford City's books and the striker showed plenty of good aspects on his debut.

Town started the better and on numerous occasions should have taken the lead.

Chris Stuart was in commanding form at the heart of Town's defence driving his team on. Full-backs Danskin and Gilmartin enjoyed plenty of ball and both were prominent in all Town's attacks.

It was Kirkby who opened the scoring from a left wing cross when the usually reliable Lyndon Spencer made a call, Cartner left the ball and the striker nipped in to score.

Undeterred Town kept passing the ball about leaving Kirkby chasing shadows at times.There was some good linking play from Farmery, Lanshorn and Kelly and in the 25th minute a tremendous through ball from Farmery found Danskin on the left.

The full-back still had plenty to do but he went past two defenders to shoot home from 18 yards for a classic goal.

The Reserves came out for the second-half taking the game to the home side. There were two great strikes from Lanshorn which just missed the target.

Ben Kelly then gave Town the lead before Kirkby produced their best spell of the game but Town to a man defended magnificently.

Kirkby levelled five minutes from time when a quickly taken free-kick caught them napping.

Paul Danksin was awarded match point for a faultless display not only defending but attacking as well.

Otley Town A 4

Thirsk Falcons 1

Just before Thirsk took the lead in the 20th minute Carl Laurenson had rattled a 20 yard shot against the batr but the ball bounced to safety.

Town started off well with a couple of chances just getting away from Andy Campbell and Bobby Johnson. Town remained on course following Rob McGee's sensational goal. He broke from half-way and his pace took him clear of the defence. His crossfield run saw him round the 'keeper before coolly side-footing the ball home to level the scores.

Town's half-time team talk called for more desire and a more workmanlike approach. After just seven minutes of the second-half Town won a corner and McGee's deep cross was headed powerfully home by the majestic David Wood.

Town's third goal came following a flowing move involving Johnson, McGee and Laurenson which was finished by the dangerous Dave Wood.

The home side's domination of the second-half was complete when young Neil Howlett, ideally placed at the back post, knocked the ball home from 12 yards following another neat build up by Town.

For Town Mark Hardcastle returned to the side and had a steady game as sweeper while Dominic Tye was also steady at full-back.

Steve Petrie worked hard in midfield but match point went to David Wood.

l Town entertain Ripon Red Arrows on Saturday kicking-off at 2 pm.

Otley Town U-10s 1

Beeston Boys 3

This was a game of many parts. Each team took turns to dominate for 10 minutes, then sit back and struggle for a further 10.

As is often the case Town strung together passing movements that flowed beautifully, only to flounder in front of goal.

The game was already beyond Town by the time Thomas Hall popped up from defence to score a late consolation goal, but then Beeston, pushing for championship honours, were always going to prove a difficult task for Town.

On a day when Town's players seemed at odds with one another Toby Wood remained solid in defence for the full duration and was awarded the Man-of-the-Match point.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.