Otley Town 4 Carlton Athletic 2

Otley’s Town’s young guns twice came from behind to clinch a place in the West Riding Challenge Cup final in an absorbing encounter at Woodlesford last Thursday night.

They will now meet Knares-borough Town or Bay Athletic at the West Riding County head-quarters again on Friday, April 29.

It’s the first time that Otley Town have reached the final since 1955 so it will be a big night for the club.

The first half saw play switch from end to end. Chris Davey twice went close for Town, once with a shot on the turn and then with a rasping drive.

Chris Dowson and Luke Danskin were taking it in turns to run at the right side of the Carlton defence but the final killer pass or shot was just missing.

Carlton were dangerous on the break and would have scored had it not been for a tremendous last-ditch tackle by Dan Chadwick.

Carlton finally made the breakthrough after 30 minutes when Turner spun quickly and shot past Gavin Phillis.

Otley showed tremendous self belief in the second half as they realised they had to up their game to win the tie.

For the first 20 minutes of the half Carlton were kept penned in their own half.

But there was a setback for Town when Dowson suffered a bad injury which forced him out of the game.

While Dowson was being treated, Tom Chadwick scored with terrific free kick from 25 yards –giving the Carlton keeper no chance.

Town’s joy was cut short when Jimmy Davey made a clumsy challenge in the box and Carlton were awarded a penalty.

Phillis had no chance with the powerful spot-kick.

Town’s youngsters responded incredibly well to the setback.

Carlton’s more seasoned set of defenders were playing a high line and the Otley strikers kept getting behind them.

Scott Cater got free on goal and was about to shoot when he was brought down from behind by Richard Dobson.

A penalty was awarded to Otley, and Dobson was given a red card. It was to prove a pivotal moment.

Sam Dexter scored from the spot at the second attempt and Town were level.

Otley continued to press and rightfully took the lead in the 78th minute when Danskin played a beautiful 50 yard ball over the top of Carlton’s defence and live wire Davey was on to it in a flash to score with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

With the game drifting away from them Carlton had to commit men forward and Otley caught them on the break yet again when Cater ran from almost halfway drew the keeper and slotted home.

This was a top drawer display by Town who gave their loyal supporters plenty to cheer.