Carlton Athletic 2 Otley Town 0

OTLEY Town went down 2-0 to third-placed Carlton but not before giving a good account of themselves against a team determined to win at all costs.

Since being relegated from the Premier League in 2013, Carlton have been rejuvenated with an influx of new players.

Town started with a 4-4-1-1 formation and for the first 20 minutes they held Carlton in check with the possession stats showing equality.

Otley felt the referee should have taken stern action for an alleged stamp of Josh Waite's ankle but all they got for their pains was a booking for their striker for complaining.

Town were unsettled and fell behind soon after when the bulky Scott Hargreaves put Carlton ahead following a nice one-two.

Town, playing down the slope in the second half, spurned three good chances while Carlton took their only one.

Town’s opportunities were not easy – two fell to Waite – one a free header from a corner cleared off the line and the other when he couldn’t get the ball from under his feet when well placed.

Eighteen-year-old Scott Farrimond hesitated when clear in the box.

The defeat means Town will need to win at least four or five of their remaining nine games to give themselves a chance of avoiding the the three relegation positions.

Jamie Simms had an immaculate game for Town while keeper Andy Doey, who played despite injury, made one stunning save in the first half.

Town entertain Robin Hood on Saturday (2.30pm).