Ilkley 2 , Tockwith 0

A rehearsal of Saturday's Harrogate Senior League Challenge Cup final saw Ilkley gain a deserved victory over Tockwith, to keep their league title hopes afloat.

The commitment shown by Ilkley players was positive throughout as they restricted the visitors to one shot on goal all afternoon.

Facing a strong wind Ilkley welcomed back Trimnell in central defence but were without Hughes and Williams. Hoyle combined with Rick Wilson and almost broke through before James Wilson's deep cross eluded Ilkley players in the penalty area. Knox fired wide, Stockdale's run forward was halted by a trip and Richardson's corner was hacked clear.

Despite this spell of pressure by Ilkley, Tockwith centre-forward Richmond proved a challenge to Bloom in the air and Hewiston began to find space on the right wing as Stockdale pushed forward. After Tweddle's run forward was stopped, a break down the Ilkley left saw Richmond's low cross reach the unmarked Hewiston who thankfully blasted the ball over the bar.

A reminder of the capability of Tockwith players who tried to pass the ball through midfield where Broadwithy's skill and positioning was a test for Giles and Knox. As the first-half drew to a close, Ilkley re-exerted more pressure on an increasingly hurried Tockwith defence with James Wilson creating regular problems on the right.

Another of his superb crosses scooted across the six yard box with Ilkley forwards nowhere to be seen before Hoyle crashed a header against the underside of the bar from Richardson's corner.

This was the nearest Ilkley came to breaking the deadlock but the team had defended well against the wind and looked themore likely to score.

The second-half saw Ilkley dominate throughout, with home 'keeper Bainbridge almost redundant and Tockwith 'keeper Ord the busiest player on the field.

Having made some minor tactical adjustments, Ilkley showed increasing determination with full-backs Tweddle and Richardson once again being the supply route for attacking moves.

Giles and Knox stifled the influential Broadwithy, and his teammate Wilson resorted to repeated off-the-ball kicks and trips as he became more frustrated at his lack of possession. Both Hoyle and Knox shot wide of the near post when well-placed in the penalty area, Hoyle's cross shot was deflected wide, and Richardson's corner caused another goalline scramble as Ilkley sought the breakthrough goal.

It came on the hour, immediately following one of the most categoric penalty claims seen this season.

Giles was tripped as he burst into the penalty area. Getting back to his feet, Giles's pass was deflected for a corner.

Ord misjudged Richardson's in-swinging flag kick and the ball sailed over his head into the net. T

hereafter, there was only likely to be one winner. The second Ilkley goal came on 70 minutes when Knox sent Rick Wilson clear and though Ord blocked his first shot he confidently slotted the rebound in.