Otley Town out of cup
ANYONE remember the last time Otley Town won the Wharfedale District Challenge Cup?
It seems that fate is definitely not on their side in this competition as they exited in ignominious fashion against a side from the Second Division of the West Riding County Amateur League.
In fact, Trinity, under manager Karl Zanft, had only been promoted the season before to the Second Division.
However, in a previous round they had put out Guiseley Reserves so, in retrospect, their victory at Otley could not be regarded as a fluke. In fact, they proved to be a workmanlike side who adapted better to the conditions and took their chances when they came.
Simple as that, but 'footie' is a simple game.
This quarter-final tie was originally scheduled for December but the inclement weather led to two postponements and, with Trinity's pitch again unfit, the District FA ruled the game be switched to the Old Showfield.
Even then there was a distinct similarity between pitch and a ploughed field even on Town's surface and this, along with the visitors' enthusiasm, was enough to see the home side off.
Town dominated possession for the best part of an hour but several chances went begging and the inevitable happened with the visitors breaking quickly to take the lead.
A ball out of defence was held up well by Fergus Morris, who, with his back to goal, played a superb pass behind the Otley defence for Paul Clarke to run on and finish.
Five minutes after this Town were given the ideal opportunity to equalise when a needless push on Richard Langhorn led to a penalty award.
It became clear at this moment that it was not to be Town's day when Ian Wolfenden's kick was comfortably saved by Trinity keeper Danny Milner.
Lee Grice, Michael Jordan and Ben Hawley were all introduced to the action as Town tried in vain to save both face and game, but as they pushed forward the defence was exposed and the visitors duly wrapped up matters with a goal in the 88th minute.
Trinity's Danny Jowett took a corner, which was flicked on by Chris Hawker for Michael Haran to volley home.
For Trinity, centre back Neil Barlow put in a towering performance.
Baildon Trinity Athletic joined Pool AFC, Ilkley AFC and Horsforth St Margaret's in the semi-final draw which was due to take place last night.