Armley Rangers 1 Otley Tavern 4

TAVERN recovered from a slow start to secure a comfortable Wharfedale Triangle Division One away win.

The signs did not look good when a slow start resulted in Tavern falling behind to an early goal when a long-range shot flew into their net.

Rangers continued to have the better of the first half and the only effort of note from Tavern was a shot from Tom Caton which was saved just before the interval.

The half-time team talk clearly made its mark. Tavern came out full of purpose and took control of the game with three goals in the opening minutes.

Johnny Weedon equalised with a powerful shot into the bottom corner which left the goalkeeper stranded after good work from Jaime Braithwaite and Tom Fleming on the wing.

Braithwaite then added a second goal for the Tavern with a chip over the on-rushing keeper after Caton rose well to flick the ball on.

Tom Flemming made it 3-1 to the visitors after beating a Rangers defender and calmly slotting the ball past the keeper.

Rangers pushed to get back in the game and came close with a back-heeled effort which was cleared off the line and then to safety.

Tavern now settled into the game and pushed Rangers to the limit with great passing and ball control.

The Rangers keeper was kept on his toes as Tavern had several shots on goal while his counterpart was a virtual spectator.

Braithwaite added his second with five minutes to go.

A great flick on from Caton found Weedon. He looked to be upended in the box but the ball fell to Braithwaite who slotted home into an empty net.

Tavern are now closing the gap on the top teams. They are four points behind second-placed Yeadon Athletic with a game in hand.

Otley Tavern visit leaders Cullingworth Youth on Sunday.