Bramham 2 Otley Rovers 2

by Unknown - 19:35 on 06 January 2007

Team News

G Lloyd, A Linyard, R Robinson, J Carrier P Smith, R Dowson, P Alker, M Dodsworth, M Hick G Plews J Wright. Subs D Ewen, J Farthing, G Hughes.

It was a year to the day when  Bramham last suffered a home league defeat, but they came mighty close to surrendering that proud record to a lively young Otley team, who played well above their league placing.

Throughout much of the first half Bramham played good flowing football on a difficult surface and produced a fine opening when Hick was sent away down the left flank, delivered a pinpoint cross to Linyard who headed home from 6 yards out. As everyone turned away for the restart the referee inexplicably called offside and disallowed the goal. Even the Otley players and official were baffled with a decision that was frankly outrageous and regrettably set the tone for the afternoon.

Bramham deservedly took the lead when they were awarded a penalty for a push and Jason Wright calmly converted.

There were some worrying moments at the back for Bramham, but there play should have had them well clear by the break and their single goal lead was scant reward for their dominance.

In the second half, Otley came forward in waves and it was no surprise when they drew level after 55 minutes and then took the lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Whilst they were good value for their two goals, Bramham had the ball over the line on 3 occassions all of which wereruled out and a strong appeal for a second penalty turned aside.

Several challenges went unpunished, yet the game was constantly stopped for lectures as the referee insisted on being the centre of attention.

On 85 minutes Wright broke away and for once was not pulled back for some innocuous incident. He approached the goal like a stalker on Safari, saw the white of the kepers eyes, pulled the trigger and crashed the ball home  for a share of the points and to keep Bramhams record in tact.

This was a dissapointing result for Bramham, but credit to Otley for putting up a fine show. It is rare in these reports for any comment to be made on the officials for they have a difficult job, some of them try hard to make it easy and keep a game flowing, others just want to be the focus of attention and that was well and truly achieved today 

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