OTLEY and Pool face off in a fascinating match-up in the Wharfedale District FA Challenge Cup Final at Nethermoor this Sunday and senior figures at both clubs are excited about their prospects on the big day.

Otley play their football in Division Two of the West Yorkshire Association Football League, two tiers below Pool, but the supposed underdogs come into the game in great form, and have already secured promotion to the second tier.

Manager Chris Peachey enthused: "We've carried form and team spirit throughout the season. We are conscious that our opposition are in a higher division so we have a lot of respect for them.

"But it's a cup final and I think all form goes out of the window because people find that extra bit inside of them and I think that will make for a close game."

Peachey has some tough decisions to make regarding team selection on Sunday, with one dilemma being who starts up front.

He said: "Connor Wilson's scored four in two and Bobby Neesam and Luke Stainthorpe hit three in two last week. That's not to mention a couple of other strikers who have had a massive part to play in the last couple of games.

"But likewise, we have selection headaches in defence, which is fantastic to have as a manager."

Meanwhile, Pool have had a difficult league season, and look set to be relegated to Division One. However, club secretary Peter Wilkinson says that his players have to start Sunday's final with a clean slate.

He said: "We can't change what's happened before, although we have put in some good performances in the league games.

"We can't really argue about getting relegated but we have had some bad rubs of the green.

"But we'll be going out in Sunday just trying to to turn it on."

Wilkinson was cautious about giving his team the favourites tag, saying: "It looks like we'll be playing each other in Division One next year and I would argue that, psychologically, Otley Town are favourites.

"They're winning for fun and we can't win to save our life most weeks! Our form hasn't been like it was last year and theirs has been better than last year so I think it brings us very close together."

Sunday's match at Nethermoor kicks off at 3pm.