Spa Athletic 1, Ilkley AFC 1

Another hard-earned point for the Booth's sponsored Ilkley AFC who once again allowed the home team to take the lead before dominating the game for long periods.

However, Spa also managed to miss a penalty in the first-half, and a draw after 90 minutes was probably a fair reflection of a game played in difficult blustery conditions. The point allows Ilkley to close the gap on Burley and Kirkby Malzeard at the top of the league table, with games in-hand on both teams.

Bainbridge made his long-awaited debut in the Ilkley goal to become the 11th goalkeeper to play for the team this season and his first action was to pick the ball out of the net after five minutes when Jones glanced a near-post header through a crowded goal area from Codman's corner.

Another poor start for Ilkley players who seem content to let opponents force the early play, instead of imposing themselves on the opposition from the first whistle. Neither side found fluency in their play and an over fussy referee didn't help the flow of the game but Ilkley had a gilt-edged chance to equalise after ten minutes when Hogg's close range shot was too close to Spa goalkeeper Galton.

The same player should have been awarded a penalty after 15 minutes but staying on his feet in the box he fed Stockdale whose shot was blocked for a corner. Hoyle headed inches wide from Giles' corner and most of the action was around the Spa penalty area. Hogg was blocked by recovering defenders after Hall had sent him through, Beckerleg cleared off the line and Galton dived to his left to gather a Stockdale shot.

Meanwhile, Spa breakaways caused trouble for Ilkley who often committed too many players forwards, and Bloom tripped Moghtader after 30 minutes only for Jones to blast the penalty onto the post and wide. A fortunate let-off for Ilkley players who still seemed unwilling to raise the level of urgency required.

A mix-up by Knox and Williams allowed Jones to try to make amends for the penalty miss but his deflected shot saw Bainbridge make an excellent clawing save and Bloom completed the clearance. With Giles having to leave the field injured and Ilkley firing on less than three-cylinders changes were made at half-time to reinforce the midfield area.

Hughes and Richardson entered the fray and Ilkley's second-half performance was much improved.

Knox and Wilson showed much more commitment to winning the ball in midfield, Hogg remained a thorn in the side of Spa all afternoon, and Tweddle and Hughes began to create space in wide right positions.

Still Spa players defended stubbornly and with fortune on their side. Hughes drilled a shot wide of the far post, Hoyle uncharacteristically headed wide from Wilson's corner, and Stockdale pushed the ball wide of the far-post from Hoyle's cut-back.

Forcing several corners and with Bainbridge a spectator for long periods, Ilkley pressed for an equaliser most of the second-half.

With 15 minutes remaining the deadlock was finally broken when Tweddle's through ball saw Hoyle drift beyond the last defender and his low cross was driven into the Spa goal by Stockdale for his third goal in two games.

Relief for the Ilkley players who could then have sealed a victory when Hoyle dispossessed Dukes only for Galton to block the strike on goal with his legs, and Dukes was fortunate the referee didn't spot a handball in the penalty area.

Spa managed a late rally forcing two corners and Bainbridge saved well from Jones close range prod but the final whistle heralded a welcome draw for Ilkley players who had not played as well as they can but once again showed resolve by scraping a result.

l On Saturday, Ilkley begin the first of three challenging games when hosting championship contenders Kirkby Malzeard at West Holmes (kick-off 2.15pm). Players meet at the cricket club at 1.15pm.