Otley Town..................2

Ovenden WR..................0

Otley Town gained a valuable three points against the bottom side in the West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division before going into a match which produced a victory that was equally as valuable but, notably, was gained against a team who had an unbeaten record this season. Ovenden had won all 11 of their league games as well as notching seven cup wins.

Town finished that run in emphatic fashion and never looked back having taken an early lead. The visitors attacked from the kick-off and Town's defence had to be at their best to deny them an early advantage. However, the home side were quick to reply and when James Firth combined with Richard Langhorn, the third member of Town attack Michael Jordan ghosted in at the near post to open the scoring.

Just what Town wanted - they haven't opened the scoring much this season - and the scene was set for an end-to-end spectacular with both sides defying the bumpy surface to launch attack after attack. With the defences coping admirably it was clear that the midfield battle would be crucial and it was this victory which gave Town the upperhand.

Ben Hawley was at his abrasive best having been detailed to Mark Ovenden's playmaker Kevin Megson. This he did magnificently and to such an extent that he also made his mark on the game with some astute use of the ball after it had been won. There was not much sight of Hawley after the game and one assumption was that he was probably sat next to Megson in the visitor's dressing room!

On the half-hour Richard Langhorn was just wide after good work by Tom Dixon and, once again, James Firth, who is settling nicely in a slightly deeper role than he has been used to. Ovenden replied with a sweet move involving half the team and Langhorn was denied by impressive 'keeper Lee Williams following a similar sweeping move from Town. Williams was again calm when left with a one on one with James Firth and he held his ground well to deny Town a second-half cushion.

The start of the second-half saw Ovenden in control but Town were calm and a lob by Langhorn was only just wide as he saw he Ovenden 'keeper off his line. Ian Taylor, who for once was having the easier afternoon, saved well from Cochrane and when Reynolds and Barron combined Langhorn was again just wide.

Substitutions were made by both sides with Town's being the more successful when Barron's cross was deflected nicely by Graeme Hutchinson for Carl Kernick to smash home and seal a momentous win. The thing about this victory is that some will see it as a shock but those who have played against, or seen Town, over the season will realise these victories were going to come sooner rather than later.

Their football is of a simple nature but having found some players adapting well to new positions - Tom Dixon at sweeper and James Firth at wing back being but two - Town are now looking a well balanced outfit.

They now look forward to this weekend when Horsforth St Margaret's visit the Old Showfield for a District Cup semi-final. A fine game is in prospect between two old rivals. Kick-off is at 1.30 pm. Extra-time will be played in the event of a draw.

Beckwithshaw Saints................2

Otley Town Reserves.................0

The Reserves made the short journey to Beckwithshaw and following the demolition of their opponents earlier in the season, they would have expected to return with all three points. However, Beckwithshaw are a different side at home, where the pitch is more suited to their style of play.

The Reserves started the game well and soon had Saints under pressure but they were unable to find the final telling pass and the goals did not come.

As the game progressed, Saints came more into it and although they worked hard, Town's defence was never really troubled, with left-back Andy Turley, playing his first ever game for the Reserves, in commanding form. At half-time it remained goal-less.

The second-half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Town having most of the possession and pressure, but not being able to score, although Steve Boddy went close on a number of occasions, using his height and pace to good advantage. With 30 minutes to go, Town introduced youngster Dean Wagstaffe into the fray and he immediately began to cause the Saints' defence problems. However, against the run of play it was Saints who opened the scoring, when Brocky produced the perfect far post cross, which was bundled into the net by one of his team-mates.

Town tried to reply quickly, but unluckily went another goal behind, when a speculative 35 yard strike sailed over Town's 'keeper and into the net. Town were unable to recover and the final score was 2-0.

l This week the Reserves begin their defence of the Harrogate and District League, Senior Cup, at home to Northallerton Town. Kick-off at 1.30 pm. (Players meet at 12. 30 pm).

Otley Town A...........................5

Beckwithshaw Saints Res........1

Otley's young side managed to overcome a bumpy pitch to impose their passing style over opponents challenging for promotion. After an extremely slow start Otley picked up the pace and scored two quick goals in succession through Duncan McCarthy and Dominique Blair before Beckwithshaw replied through their only constructive move of the half. Blair scored again before half-time to ease any concerns on the Otley touchline.

The second-half saw the Otley youngsters take complete control of the game, with Beckwithshaw putting up little resistance. Blair completed his hat-trick and Adam Cater who seems to be warming to his first season in senior football, scored the fifth. Otley's youngsters remain in two cups and are set up to challenge for a high finishing position in the League provided they keep working hard and their feet on the ground.

l On Saturday Town 'A' visit Bramham Lions. Kick Off 2pm.

Otley Town would like to thank Brian Jones for the donation of training bibs, which will be put to good use with one of our junior teams.

West Riding

County Cup ties

THE West Riding County FA's inaugural Open Cup Draw was attended by 50 representatives of participating clubs, leagues and County Cup committee members.

David Hodgson, County Cup Committee Chairman, and Eric Beedham, County Cup Committee Vice-Chairman, made the senior competition draws.

Bob Secker, Youth Committee Chairman, and Albert Dent, Youth Committee Vice-Chairman, made the junior competition draws.

Following the draws the representatives declared the evening a huge success and welcomed the opportunity to witness the draws and meet socially with other club, league and County Cup Committee members.

In the County Cup Guiseley will entertain Ossett Town. Tadcaster Albion or Thackley will entertain Farsley Celtic, Glasshoughton Welfare will entertain Bradford Park Avenue and Ossett Albion will entertain Goole. These matches are to be played on or before Saturday, February 10.

In the County Challenge cup Horsforth St. Margarets or Stump Cross 2000 will play Storthes Hall.

In the Sunday Trophy Park Rangers or Swinnow Athletic will visit Blue Bell on Sunday, February 4.

Ilkley AFC have a home tie in the last eight of the Under-14's Junior Trophy. They will entertain Lepton Highlanders on Sunday, February 4.