01/05/2026
Town Triumph in Tense Tussle
Otley Town Vets 3-1 Malt Shovel Vets
On a warm Sunday afternoon, Otley advanced to the semi-finals of the league cup, doing something they had previously failed to do; beat Malt Shovel. It was their fifth meeting in two years and had never been victorious, until now.
Missing a few regulars, Town didn't get off to the greatest start and were 0-1 down inside ten minutes, a bit of ball watching resulting in a fine (unmarked) volley at the back post. However, they slowly got back into the game and were rewarded on 22 mins, when Yatesy finished well, across the onrushing keeper. The visitors were starting to get frustrated with themselves and also the ref, which saw Otley grow stronger as the half went on, although a great save from Tim saw the score remain level.
It was 1-1 at the interval but Town felt the game was there for the taking and so it proved on 55 mins, when Howie beat the offside trap to waltz round the keeper and slot into an empty net. The lead was increased five minutes later when Yatesy submitted a contender for the Puskas award (world's best goal); tracking a cross from Howie, everyone thought it was unreachable but from 10-15yds out and going away from goal, he hit one of the sweetest left foot volleys you're likely to see, the ball whistling into the top corner past a motionless keeper. Unfortunately, such was the ferocity of the strike, that Alex had to leave the field of play with a pulled hamstring! By this point, their opponents were appealing for literally every decision but the ref continued to stand firm and even got his coloured cards out on a few occasions. Otley looked the more likely of the two teams to score in the last quarter, but it wasn't to be and when the full time whistle went, it was job well done for the men in orange. Every single player deserves a mention, but we won't bore you with that. (apart from stand in skipper Rob Wad who had 30 mins sleep overnight, after celebrating with York City the day before, and he was immense)
Next up is Wetherby away on Sun 10th May, where Town will hope to progress to their second league cup final. However, their hosts have had a great run to the semis and it should be a great game.
