Ilkley AFC 1

Hartshead 1

Ilkley snatched a draw with a late goal against Hartshead Seniors after another disappointing midweek performance.

In a game that was bereft of goal-scoring opportunities, there was little to please the football purists as the match turned into a war of attrition.

A contentious first-half penalty gave Hartshead the lead and it looked as if they were going to hang on to the victory as Ilkley lacked the cutting edge they had shown against Bardsey three days previous. However, substitute Joe Horne pounced late on when he turned in a Paul McTigue cross to give Ilkley a point.

Ilkley AFC 1

Emley 2

On Saturday Ilkley had yet another home game, this time against Emley who had started the season with a 100 per cent record.

It was apparent that Emley had arrived thinking it was going to be a walkover but they were met with a resolute home team who contested every ball and posed the visitors some real problems.

Things didn't start too well for Ilkley as they lost Jimmy Hannaford through injury just five minutes in and he was replaced by Stockdale. The hosts were then more than a match for the visitors and in the first-half created a number of decent chances.

They were dealt a bitter blow as Emley took the lead just after the half hour mark, as a cross from the left eluded everyone but the centre forward at the far post and he was allowed to head the ball into the empty net.

Ilkley were still positive despite the setback and this was shown straight from the kick-off in the second-half. Joe Horne played the ball forward to Stockdale. He flicked it on to Martin Taylor, who had made a good run from the right wing.

Just as he was about to pull the trigger, the covering full back made a timely interception but Mark Houlston was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and round the 'keeper before applying the finish.

The visitors began to resort to long balls forward, which were dealt with relatively comfortably. Despite enjoying the majority of the possession, the visitors couldn't break down a resilient back-line of Richardson, Campbell, Trimnell and Tweddle. There was a scare with about ten minutes to go as 'keeper Martin Jones came out to sweep up a long ball and appeared to handle the ball outside the box.

Strong claims were waived away by the referee but the visitors got the winner shortly afterwards. Another long ball wasn't dealt with by the 'keeper as he raced out of his box to clear the danger and the Emley forward was left with a simple finish.

A lot of positives can be taken from the game and the same sort of work ethic is needed if Ilkley are to have any degree of success this season.

There is yet another home fixture for Ilkley this weekend as they entertain Robin Hood Athletic at West Holmes field with a 2.30pm kick-off, players meet at 1.30pm at the field.

On Monday Ilkley's Reserve team is scheduled to play Old Headingley at West Holmes, kick-off 6.15pm, and players should meet at 5.30pm.

Then on Wednesday Ilkley first team make the trip to Ripon City Magnets for a 6.15pm kick-off with players meeting at the swimming pool at 4.45pm.

A feature of home games has been the excellent support with almost 150 watching the game against Emley.