Ilkley Junior Football

Otley T U-15s 3

ILKLEY'S first ever League match is one both teams will be left reflecting on. On a day when there proved to be little to choose between either sides, it was disappointing the referee should prove to be the talking point at the conclusion of the match. Ilkley had only 11 players to pick from, gambled on a 3-5-2 formation, which saw new signing Terry Green partnered up front with David Tod.

Playing against the wind, Ilkley showed great character throughout the team with central defenders Hibbert, Ross-Jones and Earnshaw looking assured as they dealt with the lively visiting attacks. Typically, against the run of play, it was Ilkley who made the early breakthrough when Terry Green bustled his way through the Otley defence to fire home the opening goal. Deservedly, a well worked corner routine paid dividends as Otley levelled the scores.

A penalty for each side saw Otley take the lead before James Wilson took the sides to the interval at 2-2.

The second-half saw Ilkley, due to the wind advantage, begin to gain far more worthwhile possession and it wasn't long before David Tod was awarded a debatable penalty. James Wilson duly converted to put Ilkley back in the lead.

With the young referees struggling to keep a grip on the game, it would have been more helpful if both teams had just let him get on with it. Man of the Match James Wilson showed his class as he scored direct from yet another inswinging corner. Otley, who never stopped working, came back when a good exchange of passes saw the visitors peg Ilkley back again to 4-3.

A resurgent team spirit saw Ilkley fail to buckle and Terry Green capped a fine Ilkley move tapping in at the far post. Ilkley's margin of victory may have looked flattering when James Wilson curled another corner direct into the net but Ilkley's positive attitude by all the players was a major plus from the match, none more so than Daniel Smith and Tom Metcalfe, who gained Manager's Points.

Anyone interested in Junior U15 football contact Steve Procter 01943 830244.

Wetherby U-11s 2

Ilkley U-11s Blues 9

Ilkley Blues started well and within five minutes were two goals up courtesy of Henry Wilson and Jonathan Stephens. This was soon followed by an excellent volley from George Thompson while the fourth came from Richard Atkins.

Following a corner Atkins' accurate header was parried by the 'keeper only for Stephens to score from the rebound.

Wetherby came under a sustained series of attacks from Ilkley and kept them at bay for ten minutes, Then a pass from Joe Gallagher found Thomas Dakin who scored the seventh. Haydn had three shots at goal and Thompson hit the post with a fierce drive before Gallagher made it 8-0.

Wetherby netted a consolation from the penalty spot before Dakin completed the rout.

Wetherby U-11s 0

Ilkley Blues 9

Matthew Mould had an early attempt well saved in the second game but following a clearance from Bailey his cross to Stephens was deftly sidefooted into the net. Bailey then found Thompson who beat the 'keeper before Atkins had a good run and crossed for Stephens to effortlessly flick the ball home. Wilson had another shot saved but he scored Ilkley's fourth following a build up involving Bailey and Thompson. Just before the interval Wilson made it 5-0.

The second-half continued in the same vein although Wetherby managed a few breaks without really testing Dean Henderson in goal. Wilson had yet another shot saved but Mould volleyed home for Ilkley's seventh and Dakin added the eighth after the 'keeper had kept out about five attempts. Wilson then wrapped things up.

Wetherby U-11s 0

Ilkley U-11s 11

Very one-sided game as the Ilkley team had a lot more experience playing competitive football. Ilkley kept the ball on the ground and showed some good passing and finishing. The Wetherby team were overwhelmed by this and Ilkley were three goals up within five minutes and led seven-nil by half-time.

The second-half was quieter as the players relaxed due to having a substantial lead. The Ilkley goalscorers were Charles Wood (4), Adam Benson (3) and William Rudman (3).

Wetherby U-11s 0

Ilkley U-11s 6

In the first-half this was quite an even game with Ilkley only one-nil up at half-time thanks to a goal by Mark Coldwell.

The second-half was better and goals followed rapidly with a hat-trick from William Rudman and two goals from Charles Wood. Ilkley substitute Jonathan Taylor, George Broomfield and William Pearce all played well for the team. William Pearce, in particular, played well .

Ilkley U-10s 2

Oakwood R 0

Ilkley were on top in the majority of this game and when Oakwood did put an attack together they found the Ilkley defence in excellent form. Goalkeeper Jorden Walker hardly having to make any saves all the game.

Ilkley took the lead through a Daniel Darbyshire shot midway through the first-half.

Ilkley ensured maximum points from this game when Sam Boot scored with a spectacular free-kick well outside the penalty area.

Ilkley U-10s 0

Oakwood R 3

Oakwood controlled most of the early play and only good defensive play by Alex Turner, Chris Allen and Ilkley 'keeper Edward Long ensured the scores were level at half-time.

Early in the second-half lapses of concentration by Ilkley allowed Oakwood to take the lead.

A corner from the right was not cleared and Oakwood took full advanage to go one up. A few minutes later Oakwood were awarded a penalty which was nearly saved by the Ilkley 'keeper who dived the right way but was unable to prevent the ball going into the net.

Ilkley hit back, Robert Hall had a shot that just went wide. William Day had a shot blocked on the line and at the other end Robert Hall cleared the ball from the Ilkley line with the 'keeper beaten.

In the closing moments of the game Oakwood made the score 3-0 when a shot was deflected into the net.

Ilkley U-10s 2

Oakwood R 3

Oakwood went in at half-time one goal to the good in a close half.

In the second-half they increased their lead with the addition of two further goals before Ilkley hit back in the last five minutes with two goals from Daniel Darbyshire.

In spite of all Ilkley's pressure in the game's dying moments they were unable to snatch the equaliser.

Ilkley U-10s 0

Oakwood R 1

This was a closely contested game. Kirean Borrett went close for Ilkley in the first-half and Edward Long made a couple of good saves at the other end.

Oakwood took the lead early in the second-half and defended the lead well. Ilkley created a couple of half chances later in the game but they never seriously troubled the Oakwood 'keeper.

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