Steeton 5

Otley Town 6

(on penalties)

In this very close, competitive game, there were very few chances for either side, with both defences in the main being on top. Although Town did create two good chances through Steve Boddy and Dean Wagstaff, the in-form Steeton 'keeper thwarted the Town boys on both occasions.

Town's back three of Ian Wolfenden, Paul North and debutant Ally Long, who played with the club as a junior, along with goalkeeper Graham Bentley, were outstanding for Otley denying the Steeton forwards.

The five in midfield included new signing Scott Halligan from Guiseley Reserves and all worked hard to provide for front runners Wagstaff and Graham Hutchinson.

Around the 60th minute Hutchinson was muscled to the ground and eventually had to leave the field with the resulting back injury to be replaced by Liam Robinson.

The game ended without a goal and in extra-time Graham Corbett replaced the tiring Stuart Hines and almost scored with his first touch of the ball. With darkness enveloping the ground the match eventually went to penalties and scorers for Town were Wagstaff, Halligan, Joe Lunn, Dave Conway, Long, and Wolfenden. Wolfenden was having a great day, and having helped keep a clean sheet, took the last penalty and made sure of the winner.

Kirby Malzeard 1

Town Reserves 1

This game kicked off approximately 20 minutes late as the scheduled referee failed to show and both teams were very grateful to Mr Cassells who volunteered to take up the whistle.

This scoreline flattered Otley Town, as it was Kirby that had most of the game and had it not been for stand-in 'keeper Matthew Rada the scoreline could have been much different.

Town's first of three chances came in the first- half when youngster Daniel Freeman headed over the bar. In the second-half, the other two chances fell to Chris Alderson. The first of which, with only the 'keeper to beat, he shot wide. His second was a magnificent strike from outside the box that proved to be Town's fortunate point saver.

Due to the late kick off, daylight was running out and the game became a bit of a lottery with some dubious tackling in the gloaming.

Town's best players were Anthony Gilmartin who is having a good season; young goalkeeper Matthew Rada and special mention must be made of Carl Kernick who has returned to the club after a season at Addingham and a year travelling 'Down Under'.

l On Saturday Otley Town A travel to Killinghall Moor to play in a league match. Kick -off 2pm.

Otley Town B entertain Knaresborough Celtic in the second round of the Supplementary Cup. Kick-off 1.30pm.

Otley Town A 3

Dalton Athletic 1

With Otley Town without a recognised goalkeeper for this fixture against the team at the top of the league, a home victory seemed a very daunting prospect at 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

Manager Paddy Campbell was that desperate for a goalkeeper that he went round the local shops on the morning of the match looking for someone who could stand in and luckily found Alex Lister.

Lister kindly agreed to deputise in goal, however he had never previously played as goalkeeper. Town started the game brightly and looked the sharper team of the two, however early pressure couldn't result in a goal for the home team.

It was in the 20th minute when Town opened the scoring with a good run and shot from Chris Wain. Town then took the game by the scruff of the neck and went in at half-time 2-0 up, Adam Palmer scoring the second with a trademark header.

The second-half was plain sailing for Town, Palmer scoring a second with another header and the game slowed with pace as a home victory was ensured. With a minute to go Dalton grabbed a consolation goal.

Immense credit should go to the Town defence as they were superb on Saturday and possibly they don't deserve the criticism that has been aimed at them lately. Thanks should go to goalkeeper Lister for helping out in a crisis, he was excellent in goal. Man-of-the-Match was shared by the defence of Lister, Vosper, Conway, Ife, and the elegant McGee.

Town officials and players were sad to hear of the death of former West Riding County Amateur League Fixture Secretary Nigel Wilson.The long time secretary of Brighouse Town passed away peacefully following an illness bravely borne.

Town official Keith Urquhart said: "Nigel will be remembered as a friendly, warm hearted person who lived for his beloved Brighouse Town FC and amateur football that he represented at various levels in an administration capacity.

"The West Riding County Amateur Football League has lost a good friend".

As a mark of respect to Nigel all West Riding County Amateur League games held a minute's silence before their games on Saturday.