seeking promotion

Ilkley U-12s...................7 Cookridge.............0

Ilkley Under-12s played hosts to Cookridge knowing two more victories would see them promoted.

From the start Ilkley took the game to Cookridge with Gilbert beating his man and firing a shot wide. The next move saw Sharpe feed Holmes, who was just fractionally off-side.

Cookridge were not so lucky the next time when a ball through from Falkingham released Holmes and he ran on to round the 'keeper and shoot into the net. Cookridge tried to crowd the midfield and gained plenty of possession but apart from one good run from the pacy forward which Jex did well to snuff out, there was little for Long, the substitute 'keeper, to do.

Ilkley pressed their advantage home before the break when Blenkhorn scored after good work by Gilbert. Half-time: 2-0.

Cookridge seemed a bit bemused at the start of the second-half and Holmes was soon clear but this time the 'keeper made a good save.

Then Blenkhorn turned well in the box and his deft chip was headed off the line. Ilkley pressure told again when the ball fell to Falkingham and his first time shot struck the back of the net.

Ilkley, now fully in control, were playing good football and when Seddon played Falkingham in, his mazy run took him past three defenders and his cut back gave Holmes the easiest of chances and he duly obliged.

Gilbert had had another good game out on the right and when he tore into the box his shot also found the back of the net.

To Cookridge's credit they never gave up, but the Ilkley defence stayed solid. The final goal was something special with the ball cleared 30 yards from goal. Cowey met it first time and his scorching shot flew past the 'keeper who probably did not see it.

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