Keen to get back to winning ways after a narrow reversal of fortune in mid-week, Ilkley's Harrogate Premier League game with Northallerton was postponed on Saturday because their opponents pitch was needed for a Northern League cup game.

Despite this disappointment, the team has made a promising start to the football season with three wins from four away games and a narrow 3-2 defeat at reigning champions Otley Town in mid-week.

The Otley Town game saw visitors Ilkley slow out of the blocks and concede an early goal through sloppy defending before Hoyle equalised against the run of play after 20 minutes.

The game then settled down and an even half-time score looked probable until Otley benefited from a dubious penalty decision followed by a well-worked third goal minutes before half-time.

In previous years, Ilkley might have crumbled but a more resilient streak was shown in the second-half as Otley's supremacy diminished and Ilkley were galvanised by a wonderful strike by Richardson. Gathering the ball 35 yards from goal, the young full-back hit a dipping volley into the far corner of the Otley net to make the score 3-2.

Thereafter, Otley's play became more and more desperate as Ilkley pressed for an equaliser without ever creating many clear chances to score. Horne blasted over when through on goal and Hoyle saw a surging run into the penalty-area brought to a halt by another strange refereeing decision.

Missing key players through holiday and injury, Ilkley's make-shift defence coped with increasing determination and confidence, with new signing Ashton showing promise and Trimnell was outstanding in the tackle. The search for additions to the first team squad continues as Ilkley seek to improve the quality of players at senior level in the club.

On Sunday, the club chairman David Thompson was a guest of honour at the Leeds Soccer Festival where he received the regional Charter Standard Club Award on behalf of the Ilkley AFC and Juniors club. This is a significant achievement for a club that lives a nomadic existence and for whom the development of club facilities in Ilkley is a priority.

Following discussions with local schools, Bradford MDC and the West Riding County FA, the club is making progress with an application for Football Foundation funding in support of football development in the local area.

l On Saturday, Ilkley first team visit Bedale (kick-off 3pm) and players should meet at the swimming pool at 1pm. The Reserves play host to Clifford and Bramham (kick-off 3pm) and players should meet at the Grammar School fields at 2pm.