Robin Hood 3 Ilkley AFC 1

Ilkley's recent impressive run of results came to a stuttering end against Robin Hood Athletic as they bowed to a 3-1 defeat to their rivals for a fourth place league position.

Ilkley can take plenty of positives from the match however, and will count themselves very unfortunate to have lost a very evenly fought match.

They started the brighter team and pushed forward against the blustery wind as often as possible. Robin Hood inevitably enjoyed a territorial advantage but it was Ilkley who looked more likely to open the scoring in the first15 minutes and looked dangerous on the break.

Houlston was presented with three chances after latching onto through balls from Smith, Wilson and Stockdale, but he couldn't get a telling effort on target to trouble the goalkeeper.

Robin Hood then delivered a knock-out punch after 25 minutes, as an inswinging corner from the right swirled in the wind, eluded Henderson in goal and dipped just under the crossbar.

For the next five minutes Ilkley were at sixes and sevens and it didn't take long for the home side to double their advantage. Their left-winger created space on the flank, cut inside two defenders and fired in a low cross.

Richardson got back and intercepted the centre but could only slice the attempted clearance into his own net.

Ilkley re-grouped and contained their hosts for the remainder of the first-half but the creative element to their game had diminished.

Changes were made at half-time to try and add some life to the attacking line but the home side were reluctant to allow Ilkley back into the game. There were few moments to savour during the second period but Hannaford forced a good save from Robin Hood's 'keeper after controlling a Houlston pass exquisitely.

While pressing to try and salvage a point, Ilkley left numerous gaps in defence, which were being exploited well by the home side's clever attackers.

The game was put beyond doubt with approximately 15 minutes remaining, as three simple passes breached Ilkley's back-line and left an easy finish at the back post for Robin Hood's centre-forward.

Ilkley grabbed their consolation goal moments later as Adam Davey bundled past two defenders on the edge of the area and scored with a good left foot shot to the far post from a tight angle.

On another day the result could well have been very different but Ilkley need to show some character and respond with a good performance and result against Woodhouse Hill this weekend in order to keep the momentum going.

Kick-off is at 2.30pm at West Holmes Playing Field on Denton Road. Players to meet at 1.15pm.