The eagerly awaited Harrogate League Senior Challenge Cup semi-final between Addingham and Ilkley fell foul of the weather on Saturday as the Addingham pitch was waterlogged.

This was a blessing for both sides as the inclement weather would have spoiled the possibility of an attractive game of football.

It also means that players from both teams might be available to play in the re-arranged game as suspensions, work commitments and injuries are overcome.

This was certainly the case for Ilkley who would have been missing several influential players.

Despite the setback of a first defeat in 2004 for Ilkley at championship contenders Spa Athletic two weeks ago, the team is destined to eclipse last year's league points total and produce the most successful league campaign in the team's history.

This is a marvellous achievement for a team that two seasons ago was once again battling against relegation and, following last season's championship and cup double winning team, a new challenge had to be surmounted as the side lost seven players from the previous season's starting line-up.

The opportunity to promote young players from the successful Reserve team and many former Ilkley Youth players to the Ilkley AFC first team has shown the strength in depth of the club, as players such as Graham Richardson, Paul McTigue, Mark Houlston, David Dixon, Paul Rishworth and Joe Horne have been regular contenders for first team places.

The blend of stalwart Ilkley AFC players such as Andy Bloom, Paul Braithwaite, David Knox, Alan Stockdale, James Hannaford and Chris Mynett with those attracted by the club's success like Nick Quaife, Dave Bainbridge and Jamie Barrow has contributed to the improvement in quality of the playing staff.

In seeking to bridge the gap between junior and senior football the major success within the club has been the Ilkley Reserves team managed by Chris Campbell.

Growing out of the Ilkley Youth team, the Reserves have achieved three successive promotions in senior football and this season should finish in the top four of the Harrogate Senior League Division 1, and next Saturday contest a place in the final of the Intermediate Cup against Bedale Town.

A remarkable achievement, as the inevitable turn-over of young players means a settled team is difficult to sustain.

The presence and quality of David and Peter Taylor, Damien Smith, Joe McTigue, Martin Taylor and Antony Beaumont has enabled newer players to benefit from experience.

The strength of the link between the senior and junior sections of the Ilkley AFC club is evident in the emergence this season of young players such as James Wilson, Chris Normington, Chris Pierce, Alex Merritt, Richard Sharp, David Pugh and Rob Tankard as reserve team regulars.

In addition, former Ilkley Juniors and senior team player Bruce Hogg is currently starring for Guiseley in the UniBond League.

As the local football season draws to a close, the coaches and managers in the Ilkley club are seeking to organise an FA Level 1 Coaching Certificate course to support the improvement of coaches and players in the club.

Meanwhile, the club continues to negotiate with Bradford MDC and the Grammar School over the development of a club ground at Ben Rhydding.

On Saturday, Ilkley first team host Beckwithshaw at West Holmes (kick-off 2.30pm) and players should meet at the Cricket Club at 1.30pm.

The Reserve team have an important cup semi-final at Bedale Town (kick-off 2.30pm) and players should meet at the swimming pool at 12.30pm.