IT was safety first for Ilkley Town this past weekend as the amateur football club had to postpone their game after a player tested positive for Coronavirus.

The West Yorkshire League (WYL) Premier Division side were set to travel to Robin Hood Athletic before they were hit with the news on the Wednesday.

As a result, the squad have been in isolation since October 13, the last time they came into contact with the player in a training session.

The Baht 'atters quarantine period will expire tomorrow, meaning Saturday's home league fixture with Boroughbridge will be able to go ahead.

Chairman Richard Giles believes a broader outlook will be needed throughout this bizarre season as rules must be followed to keep everybody safe.

He said: "It's the bigger picture. We have Covid policies at the club and we need to stick to them.

"I think it is going to be one of those seasons when it is a bit stop-start due to the pandemic restrictions but we aim to keep playing as long as we can.

"We have had a couple of junior players test positive and it is exactly the same protocol for them as it is for the seniors.

"Any player who tests positive we communicate with that group and ask them not to come to the football for 10 days. And if they were in close contact, they have to think about self isolating as well."

It was a shame that Ilkley had to pause their campaign because they have been in sterling form.

Simon Armstrong's men have had the perfect start, winning all five of their opening games and conceding the fewest goals (four).

Giles is hopeful his club can get over the line and earn that long-awaited promotion to Step Six.

He added: "We picked up from where we left off at the end of last season.

"We have added a couple more to the squad. Continuity is the big thing.

"We are a little bit stronger and the players are determined to give it their best shot to have some silverware by the end of the season.

"It is unfinished business for them.

"They were still in three cups and in a good position in the league (before the 2019/20 season's results were voided). They felt disappointed that they could not get some silverware last year.

"It is a great group of individuals who spark off each other and push each other. It is not just Simon, they are pushing themselves.

"There are some good teams in the league so we won’t have it all our own way.

"The top end of the league will be really competitive there is no doubt in that."

Elsewhere in the WYL, Otley Town and Oxenhope Recreation played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Division 1. Sam Murphy and Keann Shaw struck for Hope to rescue the away side a valuable point.

While, Pool were beaten by a solitary goal at Aberford Albion. That is now back to back defeats for the visitors who are now only one point off the foot of the table.