Defending champions BARDSEY will be out to defend their cup crown with Martin Bradley’s side eager to forget their recent poor league form with a sustained run in the competition.

The Keswick Lane side have a home draw in the first round with Bradley’s men gearing up for the visit of unknown quantity Otley Rovers (2.30pm ko).

After three straight league defeats Bradley has admitted he’s looking forward to a welcome break from the league with his side still smarting from their 5-0 loss away at Beeston last weekend.

“I’m really looking forward to it, to be honest it will be a relief to get away from the league for a couple of weeks,” he said.

“It’s been a really difficult start to the season and it’s hard work at the moment after everything that has happened.

“It will be nice to get away from all that but it’s still an important game.

“It’s the County Cup and we’re the holders. Obviously everyone will be going out trying to beat us but it’s important we have a good run in it.

“I don’t know too much about Otley, I don’t tend to look at the opposition I’ve got enough on my plate trying to sort out my side at the moment.

“But we know they’ll be going out trying to win the game. I’m just looking for a reaction from my side after last week.”

On Saturday Bardsey were well in the game against Beeston for 60 minutes until the sending off of Steve Mallorie completely changed the game.

The home side then opened the scoring before Bardsey leaked four more “awful” goals according to their boss as they slumped to their third defeat of the season.

“We were controlling the game for 60 minutes until Steve got sent off,” added Bradley.

“He reacted to a late tackle against him by kicking one of their players. I had no complaints against the decision it was the right one by the referee.

“It’s hard enough playing against Beeston with 11 men let alone 10. From then on it was always going to be difficult.”

WETHERBY boss Des English couldn’t hide his disappointment after Saturday’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat against defending champions Carlton Athletic.

Carlton were handed a penalty in the last four minutes for handball, a decision which certainly got English’ goat after a fine battling display from his side.

“No-one appealed for it,” he said.

“It was just so disappointing because we had a game plan and we worked so hard for it.