HAMPSTHWAITE 1

ILKLEY had to battle all the way for a share of the spoils in this Harrogate League clash. Player-manager Stuart Forrest came on to grab the equaliser with a strike of sheer quality 15 minutes from time.

Hampsthwaite always give a good account of themselves and this game was no exception. Lying third in the division they were looking to maintain the pace with the front runners Boston Spa and Harlow Hill.

Ilkley on the other hand are fighting for survival at the foot of the table although their position does not do justice to their efforts.

Again Ilkley had to chase the game when after only 10 minutes an inswinging corner eluded 'keeper Paul Foster but not the grateful Hampsthwaite striker who nodded the ball in.

At the other end Galasso was inches away from equalising. Hampswthwaite then forced a succession of corners but failed to convert any. Ilkley then broke and Matt Long delivered a lovely ball to Danny Cklark who beat his man before getting his cross over to Alan Stockdale who headed just over the bar.

The game entered a quiet spell with scoring opportunities rare as both defences stood firm. Giles, Roberts and Buchanan in the middle of the park provided a good shield for Bloom, Taylor and Long.

In the 35th minute skipper Long left the field after a clash with the Hampsthwaite striker and he could be out of action for a month with damaged shoulder ligaments.

Max Bellwood came into the fray at a time when tempers were rising.

A searching ball found the Hampsthwaite striker who was ushered away from goal by Andy Bloom but he needlessly pulled the striker down and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Paul Foster in the Ilkley goal guessed correctly and grabbed the ball at the second attempt.

In the second-half Ilkley introduced Paul Lenik for Buchanan and Forrest for Stockdale. Forrest was immediately in the action being released by Roberts and he slid a ball across goal for Duttine but a well-timed tackle denied Ilkley.

Ilkley pushed strongly for the equaliser and Forrest let fly with an effort which the 'keeper saved brilliantly. Roberts then whistled a shot over the bar after a neat lay off by Giles.

In the 75th minute the breakthrough finally came for Ilkley. A deep cross from Galasso found the head of Lenik and his deft flick was met by Forrest who produced a stunning finish.

His bicycle kick from the edge of the area flew over the 'keeper and off the bar into the net.

Deservedly back in the game and with Hampsthwaite tiring Ilkley had the scent of victory and battled furiously. Duttine's aggression earned him a yellow card but the referee was not consistent as when two Hampsthwaite players took Richard Giles out near ther end they escaped punishment.

Ilkley can take a great deal of satisfaction from this performance against a well-organised side that has been together for many years. A draw was a fair result for this entertaining contest.

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