Ilkley 2 , Boroughbridge 1

Back to league action and a hard-fought victory for the Booth's sponsored Ilkley who had debutant Jamie Barrow to thank for two second-half goals that stole the points from a spirited Boroughbridge team.

The recent feast or famine availability of players veered towards the former as Ilkley welcomed back seven regular first-team players and were seeking to maintain a top three place in the league.

On a wonderful autumn afternoon and in front of a sizeable crowd at West Holmes, the first ten minutes passed without much excitement until a stumble by Potts allowed Boroughbridge's young striker Mailasia to run into the penalty-area and drive the ball past Bainbridge.

A goal from nowhere by a striker signed on the day of the game after being spotted in school football, and he posed a threat with his pace and trickery as Ilkley gave the ball away to readily.

Potts almost made amends when he headed wide from Metcalfe's corner, and Hannaford was stopped twice with good tackles as he burst into the Boroughbridge penalty-area.

Neat inter-play between Knox and Hannaford put Metcalfe clear but his shot was too close to goalkeeper Hendry as Ilkley tried to get back on level terms before half-time.

Having taken the lead, Boroughbridge made few incursions into Ilkley's half, though Bainbridge tipped a free-kick from Lavery over the bar and was thankful when Rowlins cleared a dangerous ball played into the six-yard box.

Hendry was much the busier 'keeper but Ilkley's passing was imprecise and several players were

searching for their touch.

As the half drew to a close, Barrow went on a surging cross-field run that forced a corner, from which Hannaford headed wide, and then Knox and Quaife had shots blocked on the edge of the penalty area.

Mindful that this new-look Ilkley team had some cylinders misfiring, tactical changes at half-time pushed Barrow further forward and Hannaford was asked to exploit space in wider positions.

When the tempo of the game increased, Ilkley looked more fluid, and Wilson and Braithwaite showed understanding borne of last season as they launched a series of raids on the right flank.

The more Ilkley pushed forwards, the more frail the Boroughbridge defence looked and Hendry did well to save at Hannaford's feet as the Ilkley player broke through.

A combination between Barrow and Houlston saw the latter drive into the penalty-area only to see his shot blocked by Aspinall's sliding tackle.

Without ever having their opponents on the rack, Ilkley dominated territorially with lone striker Mailasia well shackled by Potts. The introduction of Bloom for the

injured Rowlins kept the pressure on Boroughbridge as Knox began to get the better of his tussle with Giles in midfield.

Yet still Ilkley were reluctant to get players into the penalty-area as too many touches on the ball stifled attacking momentum. The introduction of 'old hands' Horne and Richardson with 20 minutes remaining had an immediate impact on the game, as Braithwaite's pass allowed Horne to sprint beyond Boroughbridge's defence and from his low cross

Barrow prodded the ball past Hendry from five yards.

Clearly relieved to get an equaliser and with opponents beginning to show signs of weariness, Ilkley increased the tempo and scored the second goal after 80 minutes.

Once again, a neat interchange of passes between Wilson and Braithwaite, sent Wilson racing down the right wing and from his low cross Knox's miscued shot fell kindly for Barrow to bang the ball past Hendry from ten yards.

Demoralised having defended so staunchly, Boroughbridge had Hendry to thank again when Horne's flick sent Barrow through and as the ball sat up to be lobbed over the advancing Hendry, the Ilkley forward tried to take the ball round the 'keeper only to be crowded out in the penalty-area.

Still time for a last raid from Boroughbridge that required an interception by Braithwaite to deny Lavery a shooting opportunity before the referees' whistle signalled a positive result for Ilkley.

Ilkley are without a game on Saturday having played the Wharfedale Cup game against Guisley in midweek.

Guiseley gained revenge for last season's defeat with a comfportable 3-0 win with goals from Kevin Towey (2) and Elliott Williams.

l See page 39 for a full report of Ilkley Reserves' 1-1 draw at Clifford and Bramham in their Harrogate League encounter.