OTLEY Town crashed out of the League Cup at the first time of asking as once again defensive frailties were to the fore.

Following a bright start in the first quarter, Otley allowed Rothwell to score two simple goals as the left side of their back four lost position and concentration.

Otley pulled a goal back on the half hour when Mitch Tuthill’s free kick was forced home by Jack Richmond but Rothwell quickly restored their two goal cushion when they outnumbered Otley down the right flank and walked in another simple goal.

There was a big suspicion of offside in the build up to this goal but in games without line officials the offside rule becomes a bit of a lottery and teams just have to ‘get on with it’.

Tuthill scored a consolation goal for Town with a snap shot midway through the second half and Otley were much better in this period.

However for all the effort expended, they still lacked the cutting edge required and couldn’t breach again a very organised Rothwell defence.

Motm was shared between Jonathan Jackson and Mitch Tuthill for their impressive performances

Town return to West Riding County Challenge Cup action on Saturday away at Howden Clough. The Reserves host Huddersfield Amateur in Alliance 1, the Thirds host Grindleton in the Craven League Cup and the Fourths travel to Cononley Sports in the Craven League Cup. with all the fixtures kicking off at 2:00 PM.

All in all, an unfortunate day for Otley as they succumbed to a first round and premature League Cup departure, but hope lies around the corner.