Otley Town Reserves 0

Burley Trojans 1

Burley Trojans continued their march up the Harrogate and District Premier Division with a battling performance to overcome local rivals Otley Town.

The result sees them climb into second spot but it took a hotly disputed penalty two minutes from time to seal the win and undoubtedly Town will feel hard done by as they deserved a point from an absorbing contest between two evenly matched sides.

Town were almost off to a flyer when Trojans' skipper Stuart Dibb slipped and let in Stuart Hinds but 'keeper Chris Hargreaves was quickly off his line to snuff out the danger. Once the visitors settled it was they who carried the greater goal threat in the first-half.

Centre forward Chris Connolly led the line well and when his free-kick found Dave McKain six yards out he could only direct his effort into the arms of Graham Bentley. From a flowing right wing move, again involving Connolly, Jonny Lofthouse and Gaz Goodison combined but Anthony Gilmartin cleared the danger at the expense of a corner.

Trojans' new look defence, following the departure of Kieren Hanogue, took a while to find its feet and a long Bentley clearance caught them out allowing John Barber to break free with Hargreaves rooted to his line.The Town substitute could only direct his header into the grateful 'keeper's arms.

Connolly headed wide from Richard Wood's inswinging cross and Lofthouse had a shot well saved by Bentley but Trojans were only a shadow of the side who had destroyed Pannal Sports the previous week and they looked heavy legged.

Manager Shankland, back in the hot seat, showed his displeasure with the lacklustre first half showing and his words did the trick as his side raised their game after the break.

So did Town and the last 45 minutes were played at a much higher tempo as the game opened up. McKain looked lively when he pushed forward to support his strikers and he saw one effort deflected wide before Bentley raced from goal to deny him again.

Town's frustration boiled over when Mark Currie appeared to aim a blow at Goodison and he was fortunate to escape with no more than a ticking off from referee Peter Moss. Goodison, deserving a goal for his honest endeavours up front, was unlucky to see a well struck effort shave the post and then Stu Copley finished an excellent run by shooting just over.

With 20 minutes remaining Town seemed to find an extra gear with skipper Bobby Johnson prompting from midfield. Sam Gooding's shot was deflected into the path of Ben Mutrie but once again Hargreaves saved well with his feet from point blank range.

Hargreaves then foiled the same player again in similar fashion before Hinds' shot rebounded off the post with the 'keeper stranded. Trojans responded by introducing 17 year-old Jamie Mellor and his first contribution was to run from halfway before firing just over.

As Town continued to press Barber headed over whilst Ian McKain's timely intervention saved a certain goal. Substitute Paul Conway shot over and Richard Mowatt also came off the bench to force Hargreaves into a smart save.

There appeared only one winner as the visitors were penned back in their own half but then with just two minutes remaining Mellor gave his defence an outlet on the left. He looked up and curled an exquisite pass into the path of Connolly some 25 yards from goal.

Trojans' leading marksman still had a lot to do but as he powered his way into the area he was challenged by two Town defenders and went down under the second challenge.

Mr Moss, who had an excellent game, was satisfied that it was a foul and pointed to the spot. There was a long delay whilst the furious Town defenders, led by 'keeper Bentley, protested about the decision.

Once the furore had died down Connolly, who had missed a penalty on his last visit to the Old Showground, buried his spot kick confidently.

There was still time for Johnson to cross to the unmarked Hinds whose downward header cannoned to safety off the foot of a post much to the relief of the massed ranks of Trojans' supporters behind Hargreaves goal.

So another excellent win against good quality opposition who will undoubtedly be in the top six come the end of the season. Trojans' biggest problem in recent seasons has been raising their game for lesser opposition and they must guard against any complacency if they are to mount a serious challenge this time around.

Dibb collected his second successive match point, edging out Hargreaves, as Trojans registered their first clean sheet of the season.

l Trojans begin their League Cup campaign on Saturday with a tough trip to unbeaten Premier Division leaders Sherwood, kick-off 3pm. Players should meet at the Cricket Club at 1.45pm.

Pannal Sports Res 6

Burley Trojans Res 1

THE Reserves' disappointing start to the season continued on Saturday with a comprehensive defeat by division new boys Pannal. After defeat in the first game of the season the Reserves were awarded the next two games, as the opposition was unable to raise a team.

With a month of the season gone the Reserves have only played twice and are still to win a game on the pitch.

With the regular 'keeper once again missing, first choice centre forward Guy Smith volunteered to play in goal and had to pick the ball out of the net six times.

Burley dominated the first-half but went into half-time 2-1 down. Simon Walker's first goal for the Trojans gave them the lead after 30 minutes but two quick goals from Pannal put them ahead.

The loss of centre back Steve Fozzard with an arm injury unsettled the team and soon after half-time Pannal scored again. Burley fought back and Trojan new boy Nick Beanland missed a golden opportunity to get Burley back into the game when his weak shot was easily saved.

Beanland's day got worse when he missed from the penalty spot following an obvious hand ball by a Pannal defender.

Thereafter Pannal completed an easy win with three more goals in the final 20 minutes. Match Point was shared by Jonathan Clarkson and Oliver Blair.

The Reserves will have to improve on this performance if they are to challenge for promotion. The new joint management team of John Mutton and Tim Fendyke are still learning about their squad and will need to turn things around for the visit of the same opposition on Saturday.