National League Two North: Otley 18 Huddersfield 11
OTLEY grabbed a dramatic last-minute derby win over Huddersfield in National League Two North at Cross Green.
The hosts had been under the cosh for most of the second half, but, in the dying moments,
Ben Magee collected his own kick, with Paul Petchey sprinting from his own half to score, evading former Otley player Tom Hodson’s advances along the way.
The conversion by Ben Smith was followed by the final whistle.
In a light drizzle, Huddersfield held the early initiative, although Smith opened the scoring with a penalty after a deliberate knock-on after six minutes, doubling it four minutes later when the visitors failed to roll away.
Otley’s first try of the game came from Will Milner’s low kick being blocked and a gap appearing on the wing.
Jack Mackie found his winger Stephen Nolson with space to get to the whitewash from 22 metres out, despite James Davies’ attempts to catch him up.
Huddersfield were starting to get into the game, however, with a Milner penalty reducing the deficit and, while they had their chances, were unable to score again in the half.
The visitors dominated the second half, with Elliot Knight coming close after sprinting down the left-hand flank until he was tackled by Magee.
In the ensuing skirmish, Magee was given a yellow card.
Then, after 46 minutes, the visitors worked the ball across the Otley defence, with Lewis Bradley slipping through from some 20 metres.
They then levelled the scores after further pressure when Otley were penalised for coming in at the side, and Milner stepped up.
The visitors then had a great chance to take the lead when, after some patient build-up, they were within five metres of the line but knocked on.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here