Ilkley 2 Bramhope 2

What might seem points dropped was a point gained by Ilkley who once again gave themselves a mountain to climb.

This week, the sending-off of James Wilson for a handling offence after only two minutes was compounded by Bramhope converting the penalty and then adding a second goal to take a 2-0 lead after 15 minutes.

With Hughes once again accepting the challenge of goalkeeping for Ilkley, he had barely put his gloves on when casual defensive play saw Graham wriggle clear of Bloom and scoop the ball over him.

Wilson deflected the ball wide of the far post with his hand under challenge from Nicholls and gave referee Taylor little option but to send the player off. A tragic outcome for the inconsolable young player and for the team, and Graham scored from the penalty-spot despite a brave attempt to save by Hughes.

An uphill battle loomed for Ilkley and Bramhope were galvanised by their good fortune. Prepared to boot the ball long and wide at every opportunity the visitors pressurised the home team all over the field, without ever developing many passing movements.

The quality of passing came from Ilkley but was laboured on a slippery surface and allowed Bramhope to retreat and make challenges.

Gradually, Tweddle began to find space and burst into the penalty-area onto a Hoyle pass only to drive the ball straight at Bramhope 'keeper Russell. Steve Hall and Rick Wilson found the tackling tough from Bramhope and the referee was lenient with visiting defenders on several occasions.

After gaining a foothold in the game, Ilkley then committed suicide when another bout of casual defending saw defenders stand-still and allow the elusive Graham to run through and slide the ball past Hughes.

However, credit to the majority of Ilkley players who sensed that a goal was imminent and continued to work hard to offset the man disadvantage. Hogg and Giles became more influential in midfield, and though Hoyle was not firing on all cylinders he made determined breaks.

Tweddle's cross from wide saw Hoyle head wide when he seemed more likely to score. Ilkley's top scorer made amends minutes later when he combined with Wilson to send Hall through and he clipped a shot into the far corner.

A 2-1 half-time deficit was not insurmountable. Hogg was a constant source of danger with his incisive running. The equaliser came from an unlikely source when another spell of Ilkley pressure saw Hogg's low cross expertly flicked past Russell by Braithwaite.

l On Saturday, Ilkley have another demanding home game against local rivals Otley Town Reserves (Kick-off 2pm). Players meet at the cricket club at 1pm.