Match Preview

After Otley’s dramatic last-minute win against Preston at the end of September, they go to Lightfoot Green looking for another away win. The two sides have now played 16 games apiece, and its eight wins each and so everything to play for.

Last weekend’s win over Wharfedale saw Otley move up to fifth place for the second time in National Two North, making it nine wins out of the last 11 games. For now, Otley will just be happy focusing on themselves and ensuring this rich seam of success continues.

Preston were going great guns before Christmas with home wins against Hull Ionians (29-7) and South Leicester (28-0), but an attack of mince pies has brought about a mini-dip in results. Hoppers have lost their last three games, but are back on ‘home turf’ and will be looking not to go down to another Yorkshire side – Huddersfield beat them two weeks ago.

For their part, Otley have Freddie Watson returning to the pack after an injury to join his brother, and Alex Beaumont is on the wing also returning from injury. N2N’s Player of the Week, Will Burns, is on the bench.