Ilkley AFC 1

Burley Trojans 0

ILKLEY won a closely fought encounter when they entertained neighbours Burley Trojans at Denton Road last Saturday. It was sweet revenge for Ilkley who were dumped out of the same competition by their neighbours last season.

Trojans were weakened by a number of players attending centre-half Chris Lockwood's wedding.

A 70th minute strike from Rick Wilson separated the sides in this battle for a place in the third round of the Airedale International sponsored Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup.

Ilkley took to the field in a keen mood and were well fired up for this one. The return of goalscorer Wilson after a six-match suspension was a great boost for the home side and it allowed Andy Bloom to return to the centre-back position where he was to have an outstanding game. His opposite number for Burley Craig Renton also showed good form and they both received match points for their sides. Hargreaves shared Burley's point.

Their was an interesting tussle between Burley striker Phil Constantine and Ilkley right-back Stuart Forrest. Both players have great ability and over the years have shown tremendous loyalty to their clubs. Constantine is a major supplier of goals and ammunition for Burley and he carved an opening in the 10th minute. His cross flashed along the six-yard line but no one was there for an easy taking.

The pace quickened as Ilkley began linking their passes then Stockdale had his shot cleared off the line via a goalpost and Wilson found himself on the edge of the Burley box in prime position to fire home, Hargreaves making his first of many fine saves.

Constantine read the script when he intercepted Taylor's pass to Forrest. The ball found its way over to Connolly who instead of finishing himself squared the ball back to Constantine who stroked the ball home. Unfortunately for him and Burley the goal was ruled out for offside.

It was a good match played in a sporting manner although Burley received three yellow cards, two for dissent and the other to Jamie Davey for a late tackle. Referee Mr Pearson, from Horsforth, was having no funny business and was in full control of this derby.

Burley opened up the second-half with Connolly thwarted by a brave save at his feet by 'keeper Andy Williams. This was a good spell for the visitors and a testing time for Ilkley's defence. However, they held firm and slowly began to wind up again. Hughes and Giles took control of the middle while Braithwaite down the right delivered telling crosses. Stockdale's shot was blocked, Hughes hammered the ball back only to be cleared off the Burley line.

Max Bellwood started a move down the left which broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. Mynnett picked p the ball from Bellwood before feeding Stockdale who cut inside and his blocked effort landed at the feet of Wilson who swivelled and his shot was too hot for Burley 'keeper Hargreaves and the ball flew in.

Ilkley gave away some needless free-kicks in dangerous areas and Burley pushed another man forward adding to the excitment in the closing stages, though after the goal the home side were in control and the Ilkley side as a whole worked hard and played well on the day. Burley, on the other hand, may feel they are capable of a better display and will get their chance in a Harrogate League fixture.

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