Ilkley 7, Kirkby Malzeard 1

A stunning performance by the Booth's sponsored Ilkley FC against championship challengers Kirkby Malzeard, which the visitor's manager Phil Ambler described as 'awesome'.

More importantly, the game saw the Ilkley players burst out of the blocks from the first minute and reverse the normally sluggish start to games.

This set the tempo throughout the match and demolished Kirkby's hopes of a result as Ilkley took a two goal lead in the first 15 minutes and held a 4-0 advantage at half-time.

Ilkley welcomed back Matthew Trimnell to the squad but were without Giles and Alan Stockdale for a game that would have a significant impact on the league title race.

From the first whistle, the home players were quick to the tackle and passed the ball crisply and early, causing Kirkby problems in gaining and retaining possession.

Andy Bloom set the trend in determination by dominating the prolific Kirkby striker Uffindall, and Simon Tweddle and Richardson allowed the visitors no space on the flanks.

With Knox and James Wilson winning the loose ball in midfield and distributing wide at every opportunity, it was Ilkley who pushed forward with purpose.

After five minutes, Steve Hall almost connected with Bruce Hogg's centre before the Ilkley striker put the home team ahead on ten minutes when he pushed home at the far-post after Dale Hoyle's low shot had been parried by Scatcherd.

Kirkby found it difficult to get out of their own half and were 2-0 down after 15minutes when a superb corner from Hogg was bulleted home at the far-post by the head of Hoyle for a trademark goal from Ilkley's top scorer.

When Hall was bundled to the ground on the edge of the box by Dunklem, Hogg's swerving free-kick thudded against the post before a surging run by Tweddle was halted by a dubious off-side decision as the full-back burst past the last defender and into the penalty area.

Undeterred, Ilkley continued to dominate and Hoyle glanced Richardson's well flighted free-kick past Scatcherd to make it 3-0 after 30 minutes.

The Ilkley goalkeeper Bainbridge then made an important near-post save from Uffindall as the Kirkby player wriggled free in the penalty-area and then had an assist in the fourth Ilkley goal.

From Bainbridge's long clearance, Hoyle's flick-on was controlled by Hall on the chest before he swivelled to volley the ball past Scatcherd from 25 yards.

A slight easing-up by Ilkley players saw Kirkby push forward as the half closed but too often the visitors conceded free-kicks and lost momentum

A 4-0 half-time lead was a wonderful cushion for Ilkley who would face a brisk wind in the second-half and opponents who would surely attempt to compete more effectively and pull back an early goal or two.

As the Kirkby manager delivered the 'old-fashioned rollicking' to his players, Ilkley players were also reminded of the need to start again and win the second-half.

This they did with style and commitment to thwart any chance of a fight back by Kirkby players who were zestful throughout but outplayed by Ilkley.

Adam Williams and Bloom maintained a strong grip on the Kirkby forwards, denying clean possession and frequently setting up swift counterattacks, through wide-players Hughes and Hogg.

Combining with Richardson, Hogg's infield pass set Hall free and his lobbed pass was flicked over Scatcherd by Hoyle to complete the striker's hat-trick and make it 5-0 on the hour mark.

This destroyed any hopes of a comeback by Kirkby, and Ilkley turned on the style. Wilson drove in number six after 65 minutes when Knox's shot had been deflected, and the youngster slotted in number seven five minutes later when he was put clear by Hoyle and placed the ball firmly past the stranded Scatcherd.

Taking the opportunity to give players a run-out, Rick Wilson, Braithwaite and Trimnell entered the fray and continued to pile the pressure on Kirkby.

A Hughes cross almost found Braithwaite but Scatcherd bravely punched clear, and Wilson set-up Knox who fired narrowly wide from 18 yards.

Abbot scored a consolation goal for Kirkby after 80 minutes, and a fine one it was as he twisted into the penalty-area and curled the ball into the far corner beyond Bainbridge's reach.

A small sign of the quality of the Kirkby players if they are allowed time and space to play.

Nevertheless, this was a high quality of performance by Ilkley players against opponents who never rolled over to die and will be back in town to seek revenge next week in the first round of the Senior Cup (Kick-off 2pm).

Ilkley players meet at the cricket club at 1pm.