Guiseley Reserves 3, Ilkley AFC 0
A repeat of last season's victory over Guiseley was not to be as Ilkley AFC's challenge in the Wharfedale FA Cup was ended at Nethermoor.
Goals by Kevin Towey (2) and Elliott Williams sealed the victory for Guiseley in a scrappy match that saw neither side control the game for any sustained period but the finishing of the Guiseley player's was the significant difference on the night.
The return of former Guiseley Academy player Graham Richardson strengthened the Ilkley defence, which had to weather an early flurry of Guiseley attacks as the home side buzzed around looking for the first goal to settle the nerves.
Ilkley 'keeper Bainbridge did well to make a finger-tip save from Adam Cater and Rowlins and Potts made timely interceptions.
However, most of the play seemed to take place largely around the centre-circle without either side gaining control or maintaining possession.
Guiseley were more dangerous when breaking from deep positions and took a deserved lead after 30 minutes when David Gilks turned on the half-way line and drilled a superb 50 yard pass to Kevin Towey who raced beyond the Ilkley defenders to slam the ball across Bainbridge into the far corner. A stunning strike and one that needed a swift reply for Ilkley to keep a foothold in the game.
Ilkley's best chance was from set pieces as Barrow and Horne gained little joy from their markers Gary Birchall and Cory Larkin. Barrow couldn't make a firm connection with a loose ball as it fell to him eight yards from goal and Horne's tentative prod failed to divert the ball past goalkeeper Lee Ashworth following an inswinging corner.
Ilkley's need to defend firmly after half-time and then seek to press for an equaliser was undermined minutes after the re-start when a diagonal pass eluded Potts and as Bainbridge rushed from goal Elliott Williams slipped the ball past him.
Huff and puff as well as they could Ilkley found it difficult to breakdown Guiseley's defensive door. Play remained scrappy as Quaife and Knox strived to get good possession in midfield.
Barrow saw a lob bounce over the bar and he drilled a low shot that was well-held by Ashworth. Guiseley sealed the win when Towey ran through to lob the advancing Bainbridge.
Guiseley were good value for the victory showing greater threats in attack and more resilience in defence.
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