EARLY and late scores by Fylde saw them beat Otley 14-3 on Saturday in the final game of the season in National League Two North

In what were initially difficult conditions, Fylde weathered the game better scoring at both the start and end of the game to take the spoils.

The visitors started the brighter, keeping Otley pegged back in their own half.

Otley thwarted two attacks close to the line by turning the ball over, although it seemed a score was inevitable.

It came after ten minutes when a Fylde chip was taken into touch by Otley.

From the line-out, the visitors worked the ball across the pitch and prop Bevan Rodd went over in the corner. Greg Smith added the conversion.

Otley got on the scoresheet four minutes after a Fylde player was penalised at the breakdown, Ben Smith’s long range kick going over.

Whilst Fylde looked the more potent, Otley came close to scoring after Declan Dunn charged the ball down.

Fylde took the ball over the line, although Otley lost the ball at the scrum and it was hacked away.

Fylde went over just after the restart, but it was disallowed for a knock-on five metres from the line.

Joe Rowntree had a gap open up on the half way line which he took, getting the ball to close to the line.

Solid Fylde defence saw Otley then get a scrum in front of the posts, but early engagement saw the initiative being lost.

Later, Otley's Jack Mackie had a great 30 metre run, only for the ball to be lost in the pass.

Although they were only four points behind, Otley couldn’t break down the ex-National League One side’s defence and the decisive blow came with six minutes left.

An Otley attack broke down on the visitors' 22 and Fylde cleared their lines.

From that kick, Tom Carleton sprinted down the ball down to score, which Smith converted.

Otley finish the season in the ninth place in National League Two North on 81 points.

NICK DOYLE