Ilkley AFC 3 , Addingham 2: This was an 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' display by Ilkley AFC against a spirited and robust Addingham side in the second round of the Harrogate League Challenge Cup.

Following last week's superb performance by Ilkley against Horsforth St Margaret's the result was the only positive feature of a poor quality game with Ilkley missing countless chances and Addingham having late opportunities to force extra-time despite being down to ten men.

In blustery conditions and on a slippery pitch both sides struggled to build controlled possession in the first20 minutes, though Perkins almost wriggled past Bloom in Addingham's first counterattack and goalkeeper Smith had to make a sprawling save in the six-yard box.

A warning of Addingham's direct approach and speed on the break, which appeared to go unheeded by nonchalant Ilkley defenders. However, with a slight wind advantage the home side began to mount more consistent attacks and dominate possession. Hoyle headed wide at the far post from Tweddle's free-kick, Hogg prodded wide from inside the six-yard box and Wilson's long range drive soared over Dobson's bar.

Smith in the Ilkley goal had little to do and the home team should have taken the lead when Hall lobbed Dobson but the ball fell inches wide of the post. The visitors relied heavily on a rigid and effective offside trap, which frustrated the home side and saw the game drift to a stagnant 0-0 draw at half-time.

Without seven first-team starting players, the Ilkley team struggled to develop any tempo and fluency, and referee Barlow found it difficult to manage the incessant verbal barrage from Addingham players and eventually booked Locke for dissent.

The second-half followed much the same pattern as the first. Ilkley were more purposeful and created more scoring opportunities but Addingham always looked dangerous on the break with Perkins and Collins showing potential to play at a higher level. Both sides struggled to dominate the midfield area with Keith and Cummings cancelling each other out, and Ilkley's main threat came from space on the left created by Hogg and Tweddle.

As Ilkley spurned chances to take the lead with Hoyle shooting across goal from a narrow angle, Edwards making an excellent late tackle to deprive Stockdale of a clear shot, and Hall having a close range shot blocked by Wells.

The breakthrough came after 60 minutes when Stockdale burst onto a Hoyle through ball and drilled the ball low past the stranded Dobson. A sigh of relief for the home side who then had to repel an immediate response from Addingham with goalkeeper Smith coping well at consecutive corners.

As the visitors became increasingly disjointed in the search for an equaliser, Ilkley should have added to the score before Wilson's low cross was turned into the goal at the near post by Hogg to make the score 2-0 after 75 minutes. A time to close the game down for Ilkley, yet seconds after Hall poked wide from Hoyle's cross, Addingham got back into the game when Collins rose well at the far post to direct a looping header beyond Smith and over Hogg on the goal-line to make the score 2-1.

Game on with ten minutes to go, only for the visitor's to be reduced to ten-men when Locke managed to provoke Mr Barlow once too often and he was dismissed from the pitch for his second bookable offence.

To compound Addingham's woes Ilkley's next attack saw Stockdale sneak behind Mills at the far post and push the ball inside Dobson at the near post to make the score 3-1.

Showing commendable spirit, Addingham continued to battle for another goal and were rewarded when Bloom was seen to push Collins in the penalty area after Ilkley had defended a corner, and the Addingham player converted the subsequent penalty.

The same player had a chance to equalise moments later when Williams and Bloom got in a muddle only to see Smith stand his ground well and save at point blank range as Collins raced into the penalty area. A let off for Ilkley who should then have put the game beyond any doubt when Hoyle and Hall both had chances to score from inside the six yard box and with only Dobson to beat.

Thankful of the final whistle if only to cherish the result rather than the performance, Ilkley were reminded that opponents will set out to spoil and disrupt the flow if allowed.

February brings a series of important games for Ilkley as they continue to compete for the Premier League championship, beginning on Saturday with a visit to Spa Athletic (kick-off 2.15pm, players meet at 12.45pm at the swimming pool.