Ilkley U-11s enjoy their wins over Pannal

Pannal Sports A 1

The first home match of 2005 saw the visit of Pannal Sports. Ilkley had not played a competitive match in five weeks and the early signs were not good as they were outplayed by a well organised team. Matty Webb was solid at the back and he had to be as Ilkley conceded an early corner.

From the clearance by Will Driver, Oliver Moulton fed the ball to Fred Atkinson who was inches wide with a well struck effort. Pannal then had a period of concerted pressure and both George Gamble and Ed Brown kept the scores level with last gasp clearances.

Then, very much against the run of play the ball found Fred Atkinson who made no mistake from four yards out. Towards the end of the half Pannal pushed for an equaliser. They had a series of corners but these were dealt with well by William Driver, Ed Brown and Matty Webb.

Just as it seemed that they had weathered the storm, Pannal found the net with a shot from the corner of the box and the teams were level at the break.

Ilkley came out for the second-half a different team, Fred Atkinson went close, William Drivers header went just wide and Oliver Moulton tested the 'keeper with a clean strike. At the other end Ed Brown saved with his feet as the teams went for the goal to put themselves in front. It was to be Ilkley who were rewarded when a loose ball found Roam Hamilton lurking in the box and he buried it to send Ilkley into the lead.

Now it was Ilkley who were to have the majority of the play and Fred Atkinsons fierce shot was parried but no Ilkley player could take advantage. Fred was soon to be on the scoresheet again. He benefited from a great run by William Driver and made no mistake when he received the lay off.

In the closing minutes Roam Hamilton, Oliver Moulton and Matty Webb all went close but the score remained at 3-1. It was a great result for Ilkley after such a long break and keeps them at the top of the league.

Ilkley Blues U-11s 7

Pannal Sports B 0

In the morning's second match Ilkley had it much more their own way. They started brightly and could have been three up in the first couple of minutes as Fred Atkinson, Oliver Moulton and George Gamble all went close. Against the run of play Pannal almost took the lead and Ilkley were saved by the post with Ed Brown beaten.

The ball rebounded to safety and the pressure was relieved. The deadlock was soon broken by Fred Atkinson. He ran from his own half beating the Pannal defence and 'keeper to tuck the ball home for a 1-0 lead.

William Driver was all over the park as usual and saved Ilkley with a crucial interception. The ball was then played to Oliver Moulton who scored with a good strike to give Ilkley some breathing space. Ilkley were playing with so much confidence and this was typified by George Gamble who patrolled midfield with masses of authority.

There was still time before half-time for Oliver Moulton to head the ball beyond the Pannal 'keeper and George Gamble to score a well deserved goal to give the boys a comfortable 4-0 half-time lead.

The second-half was very similar to the first with Ilkley dominating throughout. William Driver was soon on the scoresheet with a very well worked goal. And Joel Harrison almost scored but was unlucky to see his well struck effort drift just wide.

Ilkley continued to press for more goals and Oliver Moulton scored his second hat-trick of the season when taking the ball from halfway and finding the net with a sweetly hit shot. Roam Hamilton was dogged in midfield and he fed George Gamble who found the side netting.

Pannal never really threatened the Ilkley goal which was down to George Gamble in midfield and Joel Harrison and Matty Webb in defence, but even on the odd occasions they were beaten Ed Brown was equal to anything the forwards could throw at him.

As Ilkley cruised to victory there was still time for Fred Atkinson to get his second and send Ilkley into seventh heaven. Gamble was rightly awarded the Man-of-the-Match trophy. This was a great way to start a year that will hopefully see the boys win their third successive title.