WEST YORKSHIRE LEAGUE: Wyke Wanderers 1 Otley Town 0

THIS was a day to forget for Otley Town, who fell to defeat at lowly Wyke Wanderers in a poor game that was short on goalmouth action.

Played in a blustery wind, both sides found it difficult to establish any rhythm to their play and, consequently, chances were at a premium.

In the first half, young Jack Farrimond went close with a shot that whistled just over, and Scott Cater might have done better on a couple of occasions when he found himself in good positions in the inside-right channel, but otherwise there was little of note.

For their part, the threat from Wyke came entirely down the left flank, where they had a couple of useful individuals. Nevertheless, Town goalkeeper Chris Brodie had little to do.

The second period continued in the same mundane fashion, and the match began to have all the hallmarks of a 0-0 draw.

It seemed that only a defensive lapse would break the deadlock, and so it proved with 15 minutes remaining.

Otley gave away a cheap free-kick, and from the resulting ball into the box they went completely to sleep and allowed Gavin Turner the simplest of tasks to head past Brodie from close range and open the scoring.

Despite an increased urgency to their play, in truth Town never looked like equalising and they must hope for better things when they resume their league campaign at home on Saturday to Hunslet Club.

Top scorer Toby Harris begins a three-match ban, so goals will need to come from elsewhere.

Also, there have been some regrettable incidents in recent games between the clubs, so a strong referee is hoped for.

Otley Town Res 1 East End Park Res 0

IN A game that, even at this early stage, was vital towards Town’s battle to beat relegation from Alliance Two, these were a huge three points gained.

Town’s management team have plotted their route to survival, and this game was earmarked as “winnable”.

The hosts started brightly without creating any clear-cut chances but could easily have been going into the break a goal down were it not for a top-class save by Andy Doey.

An East End Park free-kick from the edge of the area looked to be heading into the top corner until Doey flung himself to his left and clawed it out.

The second half started much the same as the first, with Town in the ascendency, and it was from a set-piece that Town were rewarded.

Adam Noble’s corner kicks caused the visitors problems all afternoon and, after a goalmouth scramble, the impressive Alex Kalischer capped off a man-of-the-match performance with a sweet half-volley into the top corner.

Otley’s management team then changed the formation to try and hold on to the much-needed and deserved victory.

Maybe this unsettled Town as East End Park rallied in the final five, when Doey produced another class save – this one powerfully hit and down the middle but Doey saved well again, to ensure the three points were safe.