Fields 1 Otley Town 0

Town made an early exit from the West Yorkshire League Cup at Bradford on Saturday.

Their cause wasn’t helped by the absence of top scorer Scott Cater, Tom Chadwick, and Ben Greenhow from the side that demolished FC Headingley 8-2 in the West Riding Challenge Cup seven days earlier.

It meant the team had to be reshuffled. Fred Ash started up front and Paul Harrison had to play at left back.

On a pitch that looked wet enough to yield a good crop of rice, Town started well.

In the 11th minute Joe Hendrie had a great chance from ten yards but hit the bar.

Both sides tried to play some kind of attacking football but the conditions did not make passing easy.

Fields gradually became more assertive as they got to grips with the midfield.

They took the lead after 31 minutes when a good shot from 15 yards deceived Gavin Phelps in the Town goal.

The second half saw Town try to get some kind of control but Fields were pushing them back.

The task confronting Otley became much tougher on the hour when defender James Davey was sent off for bringing a home forward down as he broke clear.

As he was the last defender there was little doubt about the punishment.

With ten men Town still tried to force the game but apart from rattling the bar once they could not find an equaliser.

Town are in cup action again on Saturday when they visit West Riding County Amateur League side Ventus Yeadon in the Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup.

As holders, Town will be anxious to make further progress in the competition. The kick off is 1,30pm