Otley Town 3 Pontefract Sports 0

When, in October, Otley Town defeated Pontefract 8-0 it was about par for the course, because at that time the visitors were conceding an average of seven goals a game and in grave danger of facing relegation for the second season running.

Then suddenly their results began to improve and in particular the demolition of high flying Horbury made all teams in Division One sit up and take notice. It transpires that a bust-up at Premier League Whitkirk Wanderers culminated in their youthful but highly talented second team departing en-masse and re-emerging as Pontefract Sports - hence the improved results.

Consequently Town were expecting a tough game against the new' Pontefract and early on in this encounter some of the visitors' attacking play was as good as anything seen at the Old Showfield this season. Great passing movements carved open the normally impregnable home rearguard and had it not been for a combination of dreadful finishing and good goalkeeping from stand-in keeper Cornwall, Pontefract could have been well on their way to another shock result.

Sadly their admirable attack was not matched by their ponderous defence which was as leaky as an old tin bath and in the first period Otley actually created twice as many chances as their opponents.

Just recently however, Town are lacking confidence in front of goal and despite some great approach play managed to convert only one of about half a dozen clear cut chances.

The goal when it did come after 20 minutes was splendid and came from a flowing team move, a fine cross from Chris Alderson and a tap-in at the far post for Andy Carlton.

With only a single goal lead with which to start the second-half Danny Bolton warned his players to remain vigilant because as he put it these Pontefract youngsters are playing without fear and that is a situation where anything can happen'.

As it turned out Town were very much in the ascendancy throughout the second-half with only the odd break from the visitors giving mild concern to keeper Cornwall who was really a spectator. Carlton made it two for Town after 70 minutes when he took advantage of a mix-up in the Ponte defence.

His fine left foot snap shot flew into the net and then minutes later he had the chance of a deserved hat-trick but a cruel bobble denied him. substitute Ross Hutchison wrapped things up for Town with a scorching drive in the last minute.

With the game between Kippax and Leeds City being called off Otley Town are now 12 points clear at the top of Division One.