West Yorkshire League Alliance Division Two: Hartshead Reserves 3 Otley Town Reserves 2

OTLEY Town Reserves, whose average age was just 18, went 2-0 up as they opened their campaign against a very rugged Hartshead team who were well versed in how to play on their own patch.

Paul Stamp and Charlie Cartwright put the youthful visitors in charge but Hartshead came out with renewed vigour after half-time and quickly got back on level terms.

In the end, their experience and game management paid dividends as they got the winner with 15 minutes to go. Town continued to create chances and were unlucky not to get at least a point.

Otley's match point went to 16-year-old goalkeeper Fletcher Paley.

West Yorkshire League Alliance Division Two: Ilkley Town Reserves 1 Otley Town Reserves 2

OTLEY, who again fielded a very youthful side (nine were under 17), visited derby rivals Ilkley on Monday.

Some may have seen this as a gamble but Town management's policy of 'if you are good enough, you are old enough' paid dividends on a gloriously sunny evening at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

Ilkley started the brighter but were unable to convert pressure into goals, and the visitors went ahead on 15 minutes when young Elliott Ambrose scored after good work from Magnus Davies.

The hosts continued to have most of the possession, but were unable to pose a direct threat until they levelled in the 35th minute.

Otley began the better in the second half, with Mikey Sproats and Ben Featherstone winning the midfield battle and, on 60 minutes after some concerted pressure, the visitors went ahead when a cross was deflected in by an Ilkley player.

Both teams then squandered chances but Otley's determination and desire won the day.

Match point for Otley went to 16-year-old right back Cameron Cassells.