Burley Trojans 1, Ilkley AFC 1

THERE was nothing to choose between these two title contenders as their encounter ended in an honourable draw at the weekend.

Ilkley will undoubtedly be the happier of the two as they remain two points behind their local rivals but have two games in hand.

The sides showed contrasting styles on a poor quality Recreation Ground pitch.

As expected chances were at a premium and, whilst it was an absorbing contest, it never really hit the heights in terms of entertainment value for the sizeable crowd.

Indeed, it took 15 minutes for the first genuine attempt on goal, Ilkley's Dale Hoyle crossing for midfielder James Wilson who was off target with his far post header.

For Trojans a Chris Lockwood free-kick caused the Ilkley defence problems and 'keeper David Bainbridge gathered at the second attempt as Chris Connolly closed in.

The home side had a strong penalty appeal waved away by veteran referee Ray Pyke as Jonny Lofthouse was caught late and high in the area.

Ilkley's central defensive pairing of Andy Bloom and Adam Williams looked uncomfortable against Connolly and the excellent Gareth Goodison and the former was unlucky to see his flick go just over from another Lockwood free-kick.

Trojans youngster Tom McDermott, after a quiet opening, began to impress on the left wing for Trojans and linked up well with Goodison before firing wide.

At the other end Hoyle was off target following a corner and the same player forced Chris Hargreaves into a juggling save with a far post header.

Trojans' defence was outstanding with Kieren Hanogue a rock at centre-half and right-back Ian McKain shackling Bruce Hogg, much to the frustration of the Ilkley danger man.

Just as it looked like the first-half would end scoreless Trojans took the lead five minutes before the break.

Connolly's right-wing free-kick was only cleared to McDermott, who drilled the back into the danger area.

Lofthouse was quickest to react to the loose ball and he swivelled to fire low past Bainbridge from close range.

As expected Ilkley hit back strongly after the interval and were level within five minutes. Trojans were distracted by a Simon Tweddle throw which was taken fully ten yards away from where the ball went out of play.

Hoyle took advantage of this lapse in concentration to slip his angled pass through to Steve Hall running clear to push the ball beyond Hargreaves and into the net.

The game became increasingly disjointed with the referee blowing his whistle almost at random and the game resorted to Ilkley playing the ball out neatly but too slowly and Burley thumping it forward at every opportunity.

As the game continued to ebb and flow Trojans' skipper Nick Quaife was just off target with a 25 yard effort and Connolly missed a glorious opportunity when he took Ian McKain's inch perfect pass on his chest but could only direct a weak finish into the arms of the prostrate Bainbridge.

Stuart Dibb sent a long-range effort flashing wide with Bainbridge scrambling and at the other end Steve Hall blazed wide when clear on goal but the ball bobbled on the difficult surface.

His team mate Richard Giles saw his excellent drive clear the bar.

Chris Lockwood collected Match Point for Trojans with another outstanding performance at left-back but the result now leaves Ilkley holding the advantage with games in hand and an arguably easier run in.

Burley retain top spot two points ahead of Ilkley who have two games in hand

With both teams still involved in league cup competitions the prospect of further tussles between the two Wharfedale rivals is ominous and Pannal may yet have a say in the championship race.

Andy Bloom, Simon Tweddle and Graham Richardson defended with authority for Ilkley for whom goalkeeper Steve Bainbridge did not have a direct shot or header to save.

Credit must go to all the players from both sides for a competitive game that never boiled over the limits.