Ilkley Juniors U-16s..3

Otley Town..................0

Having secured the Harrogate and District Junior League B Under-16s title, Ilkley Juniors looked forward to a Wharfedale FA Junior Cup final against neighbours Otley Town.

The league season saw Ilkley victorious both home and away but the one off nature of a cup final ensured the prospect of a close contest.

The opening period of this Skylark Leisure sponsored final at Esholt saw little to choose between the sides as both teams fought vigorously to gain the upper hand.

Ilkley managed to contain a lively start from Otley and began to settle into their stride finally putting passes together. With 28 minutes on the clock, Bruce Hogg was put through by Tom Rennolds who sprinted down to the by-line before driving the ball across the face of goal for the onrushing David Tod to latch on to score the opening goal.

Otley replied positively and Ilkley had to defend well, especially Peter Healey who pulled off the save of the match, turning a powerful header over the crossbar shortly before the interval.

Otley continued to press after the re-start and Ilkley had to work hard to keep hold of their slim lead as Otley were desperately unlucky to see a powerful shot rebound off the inside of the post.

Ilkley stretched their lead when James Wilson's somewhat mis-kicked corner bounced kindly for David Tod to fire home from close range.

Otley's task became greater two minutes later when another corner was perfectly flighted by James Wilson allowing Ben Jones to head back across goal for David Tod to secure his hat-trick.

The closing minutes saw Otley throwing players forward in the search of a deserved consolation goal.

When the referee turned down a handball claim and a free header sailed over the crossbar, Otley knew this was not going to be their day.

At the final whistle Ilkley had worked hard to win the Wharfedale FA Junior Cup and the 3-0 scoreline did not reflect the effort put in by both teams.

Ilkley Juniors would like to thank the Wharfedale FA, especially Reg Allwood, for their contribution in a well-organised tournament, and also to Esholt Sports Club for their hospitality.

Ilkley's manager Steve Procter said: "There are always winners and losers but Otley Town officials and players should be commended for their sporting attitude even in defeat."

The match was well handled by referee Reid Haddow and his assistants Steve Powell and William Collinson. The fourth official was Neil Howlett.

Wharfedale FA secretary Reg Allwood thanked the sponsors Skylark Leisure and Esholt Sports Club for their help in staging the match.The cup was presented to the Ilkley captain by Wharfedale FA President Peter Wigglesworth who also presented mementoes to the players of both teams and the match officials.