Ilkley Res 3

Hartshead Moor 2

Ilkley AFC were without a game on Saturday due to County Cup commitments, and the club's attention was focused on the emerging talent in the Ilkley Reserve team who entertained Hartshead Moor.

This was the Reserve team's first home game at the Grammar School field this season and the playing surface was in superb condition despite the morning downpour.

The game provided the opportunity for several players to strengthen their claim for a first team place and for others to test their fitness as they recover from injury.

With both teams finding it difficult to cope with a strong wind in the first-half the game was played at a good tempo with the 'young bucks' Liam Blenkhorn, Ben Convey and Danny Henderson to the fore in midfield alongside the always combative Paul Rishworth.

It was Henderson who squeezed home the equaliser after Hartshead took the lead after sloppy marking following a set piece after 30 minutes.

With wind advantage in the second-half, it was a matter of time before Ilkley scored again and it was Henderson who showed excellent skill and composure to dribble past two defenders and clip the ball over the goalkeeper.

Disappointingly, a defence misunderstanding during a rare Hartshead foray into the Ilkley half saw the visitors equalise before Convey sealed the points for Ilkley with a 25 yard shot that he lifted and bent beyond the goalkeeper.

Richard Campbell marshalled the Ilkley defence to keep the door locked as Hartshead pushed for a point and the home team might have added to the score before the final whistle.

On Saturday, the Ilkley first team return to league action with an away game at Sandy Lane and players should meet at the swimming pool at 1pm.

Meanwhile the Reserves look to extend their winning sequence with a home game against Barwick and players should meet at the Grammar School fields at 1.15pm.

Attendance at home games for both teams has been very encouraging and the club welcomes Ilkley folk seeking to support football in the town.