With no game for two weeks because of frozen pitches, Ilkley AFC players resorted to indoor five-a-side training to keep away the cobwebs as they look forward to a new year that holds promise.

Despite a setback over Christmas at Pannal, the Ilkley side are currently battling at the top of the Harrogate Premier League and remain involved in all cup competitions.

A far cry from the winter of 2001-2 when relegation was a serious consideration until victory at local rivals Burley started a revival and saw the team climb to safety.

The growing reputation of the club in the local area, being one of the first to achieve the FA Charter Standard Club award, attracted new players to the club and enhanced the quality of senior players and competition for places.

A good start to the season saw victories at perennial championship contenders Boroughbridge, Kirkby Malzeard and Northallerton offset by defeats at Beckwithshaw and Otley before a superb cup victory at Guiseley led to a seven match unbeaten run ended by Burley's deserved win in late November.

The avoidance of injuries and regular availability of players has been an important ingredient in making progress, alongwith the growing maturity of a relatively young squad of players.

The youthful Richardson, Tweddle, Williams, Hogg and James Wilson have progressed from Guiseley Academy over the past few seasons, while stalwarts Bloom, Braithwaite, Hall, Taylor and Stockdale have still to reach their mid-twenties.

The old stagers Giles, Knox and Rick Wilson have been rejuvenated by the recruitment of Trimnell, Hughes and Hoyle over the past two seasons. The latter having scored 32 goals in 17 games to remind everyone that the name of the game is scoring more goals than opponents as often as possible.

Pushing these players for first team places are former Ilkley Youth team stars Keith, Hey, Horne, Houlston, Taylor, Dixon, Beaumont and Rishworth amongst others. The quality of these players and others from Ilkley Juniors has elevated the Ilkley Reserve team to a promotion spot in Division Two of the Harrogate League.

Chris Campbell's team face an important local derby against Burley Trojan Reserves at the Grammar School field on Saturday (Kick-off 2pm).

l On Saturday, Ilkley AFC first team entertain Horsforth St Margaret's in the semi-final of the Wharfedale Challenge Cup at West Holmes field (kick-off 1.30p, players meet at the cricket club at 12.30pm).