Cononley 0

Ilkley Youth 5

FAR from lack this was the lustre after last week's disappointing home draw and evidence that the Youth players had learned a valuable lesson.

They were faced with a small and boggy pitch in a match they needed to win to remain in touch with the league leaders.

The first 20 minutes saw both teams battling out the midfield with few penalty-area incidents. As the game settled, the well organised Ilkley side began to win more possession and move the ball wide at every opportunity.

This domination stemmed from determined and strong defending by Dixon, Beaumont, Houlston and Hammond, who gave Cononley little time or space, and were quick to challenge for the ball. However, it was a speculative shot by Dixon that was sliced by a Cononley defender into his own goal which gave Ilkley a fortuitous lead after 30 minutes.

This goal lead to a series of attacks by Ilkley that saw Paul McTigue, Joe McTigue and captain Rishworth shoot narrowly wide. At the other end, Taylor saved bravely at the feet of a forward before Dixon joined the attack once again and saw another 25-yard shot slip out of the keeper's grasp and into the net.

The two goals scored were reward for a solid and battling display on an increasingly difficult pitch but both were tinged with good fortune.

No such fortune was required after half-time, when Ilkley took control. With the Ilkley defence still dominant, Campbell held the ball well before passing to Allan Hey to slot a crisp 20-yard shot into the net. Soon after, Richard Martin headed in a well-placed corner and Risworth, Hey and McTigue all had further chances.

The introduction of the lively Carl Dadd for the hard-working Chris Campbell renewed the pressure and Martin had two more chances saved by the 'keeper before he fired home his second.

Martin was a revelation in attack showing determination and intelligent running off the ball, and he was a constant threat. As the game drew to a close, Dan Jordan went close with a header from a corner and James Crowther showed some good touches on the right wing.

Though the first goal was fortunate, the score could have been doubled at the end as Ilkley tore holes in the wilting Cononley defence. Nevertheless, Cononley battled hard as their tally of four yellow cards confirmed.

This was a particularly pleasing win for Ilkley as they press for a place in the top three. In difficult conditions for all players, the young lads were disciplined, committed and supported each other well. As usual the back four set the platform by winning so much possession, and Dixon and Houlston were outstanding. Goalscorer David Dixon gained the Man-of-the-Match award.

l On Saturday Ilkley visit Colne CC for a League Cup game (Meet at 12.30pm). With more good players being attracted to the squad, competition for places is increasing.

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