Rothwell Town (0) 0 v 2 (1) Old Headingley
Kempton (45, 77)
Town still looking for a first win of the season came up against Old Boys
Division 1 Champions Old Headingley in the 1st round of the Leeds & District Cup. Town were boosted with the return of
striker Kris Parker who has been out injured since the opening day defeat to Barwick so again failed to keep the
same team for two consecutive weeks.
The opening 10 mintes of the game saw a several misplaced passes from both teams as the rain and wind interfered
with either teams game plans. The first real opening fell to Paul Bjelic who's attempted lob from 25 yards sailed harmlessly
wide. Old Headingley began to get into their stride and looked dangerous from several free-kicks given away around the
box. After half an hour Headingley were unlucky not to go ahead as a strike from outside Town's box was deflected by
defender Craig Purcell away from Otley but saw the ball crash back off of the bar before being cleared to safety. As the game
entered added time at the end of the 1st half the deadlock was broken as the Headingley striker found himself played
onside by Purcell before looping the ball over the oncoming Otley to send Town into the break with heads down.
0-1 Half Time
With the half time team talk putting the emphasis on defending higher up the pitch Town began to pressue more causing
several mistakes from Headingley but were still unable to create any clear cut chances. Town were not helped as midfielder
Neil Doyle had to go off injured with a badly twisted knee as the pitch began to cut up. As Town continued to press Headingley
began to find more openings in the defence and spurned several good oportunities to extend their lead. With just over 10 minutes
the Headingley striker found himself through 1 on 1 with Otley, the inital shot was saved before Tolan conceeded a free kick
on the 18 yard box from the rebound. From the resulting free kick the striker fired a curling shot into the bottom right hand
corner to double his and Headingley's tally for the day.
Time was running out and Town were still struggling to create any clear chances, Full Time 0-2 and another defeat for
Town who are now out of two cups.
Squad: Otley, Kime, Tolan, Thorp, Richardson, Haresign, Doyle, Pennington, Parker, Purcell, Bjelic,
Subs: Clarkson, Ramsden
Rothwell Town Man of the Match : Kris Parker
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Date: Sat 23rd October 2004
K.O. 2:30 p.m Venue: Fifth Avenue, John O'Gaunts