TOWN'S second encounter in four days against local rivals Rawdon Old Boys gained them a deserved point to go with the two won on the previous Wednesday.

The mid-week encounter was a rip-roaring affair with everything you'd expect from a local derby - there was also some football. Two goal in the first five minutes set the scene with Michael James opening the Rawdon account and James Firth equalising immediately. Both sides flew at each other and Lee Grice should have done better before he eventually gave Town the lead on 20 minutes. James Firth smashed home his second within a minute and Town were well in control, although 'keeper Atter was struggling with a hamstring injury and defending was becoming difficult with him unable to clear his line.

This handicap was to prove fatal early in the second half as Neil Spratt capitalised on an awkward bounce to bring the visitors back into the game. However, Town are proving to have a hard centre this season and Declan Shilton went in where it hurts to regain the two-goal advantage from a corner. Dave Pennett scored for Rawdon with a magnificent header after coming on as a substitute.

A strong run from James Firth was too much for the Rawdon defence and, after he had been brought down, Paul Danskin coolly converted the penalty to seal the game for Town.

On the Saturday Town were much changed. Lyndon Spencer took over from the injured Atter and with Chris Myers and Paul Bailey out their formation, was somewhat strange.

Indeed disorientation seemed rife as Lee Grice did everything a good striker should to score the first goal of the game. Unfortunately he was at the wrong end and playing centre-half when he smashed the ball past his helpless 'keeper.

Town recovered well though and goals from Shilton and Ross Barron put them in front before an equaliser with 15 minutes left signalled an all-out Rawdon assault on the visitors goal. A mixture of skill, luck and bravery saw Town keep their goal intact to gain the point which sees them sitting comfortably in mid-table.

Saturday sees a home game against Altofts, 2.30pm, with the 'A' team visiting the Red Arrows 'A'. There is no game for the Reserves.

Otley Town Reserves 3

Beckwithshaw 0

Town Reserves continued their excellent start to the season with an emphatic win over Beckwithshaw. The first 20 minutes were even but Town's work rate was again superb with every player giving his all.

On 25 minutes a good move ended with left-back Richard Danskin receiving the ball and he made no mistake with another powerful finish.

On 32 minutes Town made it 2-0 with another excellent team move in which Antony Gilmartin fed Joe Lunn and the youngster went at the defence weaving past three players before pulling the ball back into the path of Carl Laurenson who finished well from close range.

Graeme Hutchinson the young Town striker was a constant thorn in the Beckwithshaw side with his pace and just on half-time he left the back four for dead but saw his shot shave the post.

The second-half never seemed to get going with neither side creating many chances and so the game became scrappy with Town's lead never looking in danger.

With 15 minutes to go Town's right-back Gilmartin again pushed forward and he hit a screamer which the 'keeper never saw as Town took a three goal lead.

Match point went to Richard Danskin.

Spa Athletic 6

Town Reserves 1

The Reserve team had to be completely ripped apart for this game due to suspensions, backwords and players being unavailable.

They travelled with just 11 players, three of which were carrying injuries, and a tough encounter was expected against a big and very hard-working side.

The worst start possible saw Spa score within a minute but to Town's credit they hit back after ten minutes when Graeme Hutchinson raced into the area and was upended,

Richard Danskin coolly stroked home the penalty to level the scores.

Unfortunately this failed to spark any life into Town who were left chasing shadows.

Spa ran in three more goals before half-time and the game was over.

To Town's credit they kept trying and had a couple of second-half chances but Spa ran in two more goals - one a very dubious penalty.

Graeme Hitchinson and Dave Ryan shared match point for their non-stop effort and commitment.

Otley Town A 1

Ripon City Res 1

In their opening game of the season Town A shared the spoils but should really have had more out of this game after dominating so.

They took the lead in the 38th minute when Morgan was tripped and Bobby Johnson slotted home the penalty.

Unfortunately Ripon levelled within minutes with the Town defence caught square. Match point winner Gary Marshall, Dave Wood, Bobby Johnson and young Neil Howlett played well.

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