Blair powers Dynamo to derby win (From Ilkley Gazette)

Blair powers Dynamo to derby win

11:55am Thursday 17th January 2013 in Sport

Otley Town 1 Ilkley Dynamo 4

Dynamo picked up the three valuable Wharfedale Triangle League Premier Division points in a hard-fought derby clash at the Old Showground on Sunday.

Dynamo made a promising start but failed to capitalise against their determined opponents.

The outstanding Oliver Blair helped the visitors apply sustained pressure.

Scott Firth was the pick of the Otley players as honours remained even for most of the first half.

After Tom Higman had coolly despatched a contentious spot kick to give Dynamo a 1-0 lead at the interval, the Ilkley side gradually improved.

They also defended well with Sam Jacomb, having his first game for four weeks, impressive at centre back.

Dynamo goalkeeper Shane Etherington saved well on a couple of occasions before Dom Grimes confidently slotted home a second goal for the visitors to make it 2-0. However, Dynamo did not have everything their own way as a swift Otley raid resulted in Scott Norton pulling a goal back for the home side to keep them in the game at 2-1.

Dynamo overcame a shaky period before a searching pass from Danny Henderson found Danny Bryan, who produced a moment of true quality with an outstanding goal to restore a two goal advantage at 3-1.

Simon Walker for Dynamo and Joe Curry for Otley both went close before Phil Thommesen scored his 13th goal of the season in equally impressive fashion to complete the scoring.

A superb team performance, led by the captain, Michael Bloom had again produced a crucial victory for Dynamo to extend their current good run of form.

Dynamo entertain Milford in the Wharfedale and District FA Sunday Cup semi-final on Sunday.