Ardsley Celtic 1

Otley Town 2

AFTER the inept performance of last week Town bounced back with a league win at Ardsley Celtic with, hopefully, a repeat performance coming up, again against Ardsley, in the League Cup this week.

The first-half saw both sides evenly matched but Town went behind to a dubious free-kick that was deflected giving 'keeper Stuart Wilkinson no chance.

To use that well-known footballing phrase this was a game of two halves and Town despite being behind at half-time went on to dominate the game with Dean Wagstaff and Dave Conway working hard with veteran Liam Robinson playing one of his few 90 minute games in the centre of midfield.

Wagstaff celebrated his recall to the first team claiming a goal that looked suspiciously like an own goal. Stuart Hinds crossed and Roger Eli's header ricocheted off a defender and the ball found its way into the back of the net.

Town's second came from a counter-attack when the ball was played to the right and Hinds' cross was met by Robinson who rose like a salmon to head home.

Town's dominance of the second-half can be emphasised by the fact that Wilkinson did not have to make a save.

Terry Pearson, a regular in the heart of Town's defence, was admitted to Airedale Hospital for an emergency appendix operation and the club wishes him well for a speedy recovery.

Town are at Ardsley Celtic again this Saturday in the League Cup, kick-off 1.45 pm.

Harlow Hill 1

Town Reserves 2

Almost immediately from the start of this game Town took the lead through Chris Alderson who opened the scoring side-footing home a Lee Coonan cross.

Harlow came back into the game and then took a shock lead Anthony Gilmartin mis-judged a long ball and the striker pushed the ball past Graham Bentley. Then the home team took the lead after some very poor marking. Ever vigilant veteran Bob Johnson ran through the Harlow defence and back-heeled to Alderson whose shot was only partially scrambled clear. It was finished by Coonan who swivelled and shot from a tight angle to equalise just before half-time.

Early in the second-half Harlow lost a player after a strong tackle when he retaliated albeit on the wrong person and the referee showed the red card for violent conduct.

After that the game seemed to turn in Town's favour and they took the lead again with a Coonan corner to the back post which found Alderson unmarked and he nodded past the stranded 'keeper.

After many chances Town's fourth and Alderson's hat-trick came when one-on-one with the'keeper he stepped over the ball leaving the sprawling 'keeper behind and casually put the ball into the empty net.

New signing Wayne Harding came on for the last 20 minutes and tightened up the defence impressing manager Graham Morgan.

A veteran himself at 35 Wayne could prove to be a valuable addition to the club and a possible for the first team squad.

Delighted captain Bob Johnson said: "In the first few weeks we have dominated games only to come away with a draw or a defeat by the odd goal. Today we were at last happy to get three points. We must learn to put away a lot more of our chances. We seem to be too casual at times."

Town's veteran sweeper Mark Currie has broken his arm and will be greatly missed being out of the game for some time.

On Saturday the Reserves visit league leaders Sherwood, kick-off 2.30 pm.

Otley Town A 6

Clifford 2

Otley Town A were beaten by Saturday's opponents three weeks ago, so revenge was sweet on Saturday when they totally outplayed the visitors to the Old Showfield.

It was a bad start for the A team when Clifford's best player, their lively number 10, got away onto a long ball from the back and outpaced the home defence to score.

Town replied immediately when Farnell fired home after good work by Chris Wain saw him free in the six yard box. Town then played the best football with Clifford's defence trying to hump long balls over the back.

Otley went in front with a close-in bullet header from Johnny Barber, and increased their lead when a fine free-kick from Wain found the head of Palmer who flashed the ball in from ten yards.

After the turn around Clifford were clearly upset and some dubious tackles were flying in but as always the best way to react was to score which Farnell did with ease.

Barber ran 30yds with the ball to get the fifth. Clifford did pull one back after a mix-up in the defence between Bradley and Conway but an own goal saw Town deservedly win with a good performance. Match point was shared by R Hawley and C Wain.

After this comfortable win in their cup game against Clifford, Town A entertain the same team in a league game on Saturday, kick-off 2.30 pm.

Half Moon 1

Otley Town B 2

In the first round of the Supplementary Cup Town B travelled to new boys Half Moon from Collingham. Luke Danskin, who is to represent the Wharfedale Minor side this week, was the scorer of both Town goals.

The Under-17 player's second was the goal of the day. He flipped three of the home back four by turning the full-back and lobbed the 'keeper giving him no chance. The third team management are delighted with the progress of the team and in particular with the performances of the youngster Ian Thomas.

He played alongside the steadying influence of Steve Jefferies.

This week Town B entertain Sherwood Reserves, kick-off 2.30 pm. Meet at the club at 1.15 pm.