Ilkley AFC's cup match against Bramhope was a victim of the severe weather on Saturday, with the West Holmes field being waterlogged.

This Saturday provides Ilkley with another home fixture against Hampsthwaite (kick-off 2.15pm) weather permitting, and players should meet at the cricket club at 1.15pm.

Despite losing several influential players to University commitments and through injury, the re-organised Ilkley AFC has made a promising start to the Harrogate Premier League campaign.

Currently lying in third position in the league table, the teamwork and fitness of the players has steadily improved, and the recent move to the Ben Rhydding all-weather pitch should enable the weekly practice session to be more productive.

With an eye to the future, the senior club committee within the Ilkley AFC club (including Youth and Junior Sections) is exploring sites around Ilkley offering long term development opportunities for the senior section of the football club.

Unlike most other sports clubs in the town, the highly successful and expanding football club has no permanent base of operation, being reliant on the support of Ilkley Grammar School, Bradford Council and the Ilkley Cricket Club for match-day facilities, and to The Hollygarth, The Riverside Hotel and The Ilkley Moor Vaults for post-match and social venues.

Anyone interested in helping in the development of the club should contact the secretary Steve Proctor (01943 830244).