Barwick 0 Ilkley AFC 3

Ilkley AFC put in their best performance of the season so far as they crushed Barwick 3-0 in a game that could very easily have seen the home side lose by a much greater margin.

Ilkley's movement off the ball and quick passing was too much for Barwick to cope with, as they exploited the acres of space afforded to them by the home team's system.

Barwick lined up with three defenders and two attacking wingbacks but that just seemed to suit Ilkley's formation as Wilson and Stockdale were able to get in behind the full-backs and were a constant threat down the flanks for the whole match.

Jimmy Hannaford partnered Ian Briggs in a central midfield role and they proved to be more than a match for their three opponents, who were never given time on the ball to launch any meaningful attacks.

The only criticism for Ilkley coming from this game would be their inability to be clinical in front of goal, because they created a gilt-edged opportunity nearly every time they went forward.

After Smith and Houlston had gone close, the inevitable opening goal came after 15 minutes.

Nick Smith inter-changed passes with James Wilson and then played a lovely ball behind the static defence for Houlston to chase, and he finished with aplomb by lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Despite constant domination and creating countless more scoring opportunities, notably for Hannaford as he scuffed wide after bursting into the area, Ilkley failed to add to their advantage before the break.

The visitors were also keen not to let a repeat of the previous week occur where they failed to turn up after half-time, and on this occasion they resumed where they left off by going straight for the jugular.

Ilkley's attacking was unremitting but the final pass or shot always seemed to be lacking. Despite the fact that the hosts had not tested Dean Henderson once, the lead was still a precarious one.

Ilkley were then gifted a perfect opportunity to double their advantage as the referee awarded a penalty when the lumbering Barwick centre-half bundled Houlston to the floor just inside the box.

Despite some of the home team players attempting to put Hannaford off, he dispatched the spot-kick comfortably.

Unfortunately, Smith had encroached forcing the referee to order a retake.

Filled with over-confidence, Hannaford attempted a cheeky chip but his impudence soon turned to impotence because the 'keeper hadn't moved and saved the weak effort easily.

This setback didn't affect Ilkley one bit however, and they kept on with their relentless assault.

Further great opportunities came for Smith, Stockdale and Houlston and it was only a matter of time before the game was put beyond doubt.

With 20 minutes remaining, the decisive goal eventually came. Bloom fired a free- kick towards Stockdale who flicked a header into the box for Damian Smith.

The lively forward latched onto the ball and got his lob on target to score.

Smith then completed the scoring with five minutes remaining by turning sharply inside the area and placing a right foot shot inside the far post.

Ilkley will take a lot of confidence from this performance, but would be well advised to keep the Hannaford missed penalty in the forefront of their minds as it serves as a great reminder that talent and hard work can still be undermined by over-confidence.

Woodhouse Hill are Ilkley's next opponents this Saturday and they will be looking to avenge an unlucky defeat from earlier this year. Kick off is at West Holmes Playing Field at 2.30pm.