Otley Town 1 Knaresborough 2

IT was a case of “after the Lord Mayor’s show” for Otley Town, who fell to a home defeat only a week after their outstanding victory at Premier Division champions Bardsey.

Town are fond of giving themselves mountains to climb, and so it proved again when Knaresborough raced into a two-goal lead within the first ten minutes.

Both goals might have been prevented with better defending, but credit must be given to the away side who possessed some tricky front-runners.

Gradually Town found a way into the match, and went close on several occasions before Toby Harris blasted home a left-foot thunderbolt just before half-time to reduce the arrears.

The home side began the second period determined to force an equaliser, and nearly did so when the impressive James Evison set up Scott Firth, only for the latter to lift his effort over the bar from close-range.

In truth, Otley ran out of steam towards the end and Knaresborough held out comfortably enough to claim the win.

Town are back in action this coming Saturday with a home game against Horbury Town (please note the kick-off time, which has moved back to 2:30pm as usual once we enter February).