OTA Reserves will look at this as an opportunity wasted, after losing 3-2 in the 2nd Round of the John Old Cup.
The hosts started brightly against Stretford Victoria Albion and were good value for their lead when debutant, Pacitto put the boys 1-0 up after 7 minutes – A finish into the bottom corner from 13 yards out. The hosts hit back not long after with a pot shot from just outside the area which hit the post on its way in.
OTA remained undeterred and bossed the rest of the 2nd half, with some incisive passing and interplay – Whilst also keeping it steady at the back. However, for all of the good play and dominance, the team couldn’t add to their lead.
The start of the 2nd half was much like the first and after some neat play in midfield, Captain, J. Morris’ 25 yard hit was parried by the opposition goalkeeper before half-time substitute, Moffatt reacted first to apply the finish… 2-1!
At this point there looked like there would be only one winner, but the lads’ wastefulness in front of goal came back to bite them as a well-timed run saw the opposition forward beat the offside trap before rounding Goodwin to finish.
Then, with about 10 minutes remaining, the opposition scored the winner as a near post corner was bundled into the net. A tough defeat to take, but if the team keeps playing like that and they can start to take their chances, they will be a force to be reckoned with during the 2nd half of the season.