Sandy Lane.........2

Ilkley U-9s..........2

THE two sides shared the spoils in a great contest which saw four goals and the play swing from end to end.

Fine defensive play from Paul Kehoe and Michael Lader thwarted an early Sandy Lane chance.

Steven Bunn and Anthony Mitchell provided William Knox with Ilkley's first effort on goal.

Ilkley grew in confidence and following a fine save from William Normington, some ferocious midfield play from William Knox, Steven Loy and Sam Needham provided the latter player with another Ilkley scoring opportunity.

However, continued Sandy Lane pressure eventually resulted in a goal right on the stroke of half time.

Ilkley levelled matters after the interval with a super strike from Anthony Mitchell. This followed a Paul Kehoe free kick and a Steven Bunn corner.

Michael Lader enjoyed an excellent game and was eventually rested, to be replaced by Michael Rathmell. It was the substitute's pass which allowed William Knox to fire Ilkley into a 2-1 lead.

However, Sandy Lane fought back to make the final score 2-2. Great defensive play from Steven Loy ensured Ilkley would not end the game with nothing.

Michael Lader was voted man of the match.

Weston Lane.......3

Ilkley U-8s..........0

ILKLEY'S performance did not merit a 3-0 defeat from a thoroughly lively and entertaining contest.

Man of the match Hugh Crosse controlled proceedings from start to finish; Rob Caddick and Forrest Hamilton were unlucky in front of goal and Alex Sinclair deserved better reward for the ground he covered.

Appleby was missing for Ilkley and his place was well taken by Finnish youngster Frans. Stephen Pearce and Liam Blackwell were solid at the back and keeper Matthew Grimes made some brave saves at the feet of the Weston forwards.

Despite trailing 3-0, Ilkley heads did not drop. Crosse was very unlucky to see his goalbound shot crash back off the underside of the crossbar in the last five minutes.

This was Ilkley's final game of the season. It has been an enjoyable and encouraging first season for a young squad which can only go from strength to strength next year.

Stansfield...............1

Ilkley U-12s.............1

Ilkley Under-12s travelled to Stansfield knowing that with three games left they had a chance of promotion if they did not lose.

On a massive pitch for Under-12s they set about their task with some good moves. Gilbert's cross was turned away and then it was Gilbert who took on the full-back before chipping the 'keeper for a fine goal.

Stansfield started to get more men forward and Sedlak had to be on his toes to clear a corner. Stansfield equalised against the run of plah when a good one-two ended with a good shot past Walker.

This goal stunned Ilkley who had not really been troubled. More wing wizardry from Gilbert saw a first time shot go wide.

Fox shot and the 'keeper spilled the ball and Blenkhorn somehow managed to hit the 'keeper with his shot.

Ilkley piled on the pressure in the second-half as they went in search of the winner. Holmes was unlucky when his curling shot hit the post with the 'keeper rooted to the spot.

Gilbert had a fine game and he again opened up the defence and fed Blenkhorn who shot wide.

Another great move saw the ball switched to Seddon whose shot was saved.

Stansfield broke dangerously but were lightweight up front and their attacks petered out before reaching the Ilkley goal.

Ilkley thought they had finally broken through when Blenkhorn released Holmes who steadied himself before scoring but the referee who had already given the goal then bowed to pressure form ther Stansfield linesman and ruled it out.

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