Ilkley U-13S.....0

Horsforth......0

ILKLEY Juniors Under-13s were crowned Harrogate League champions on Sunday after a hard-fought draw with a resilient Horsforth Dynamos side. Ilkley needed one point from this game to take the title but both sides went all out for a win and the first-half was end-to-end.

Richard Sharpe was brought down just outside the box and Richard Ettenfield's free-kick went just over the bar. Horsforth worked hard and proved to be well-organised closing Ilkley down quickly and giving them no time on the ball.

James Turner went closest just before half-time when he ran into the box but his shot was well saved.

The second-half was again closely fought with Horsforth strong in defence and Ilkley were finding it hard to find a way through. Batters, Barnet, Benson and Thackray worked tirelessly to keep out Horsforth who were quick on the counter.

With five minutes remaining Ilkley did find a way through when Richard Sharpe carved up two defenders and shot high into the top corner but the 'keeper, who had played brilliantly, seemed to pull his shot out of the roof of the net and Ilkley were denied. On reflection a draw was a fair result as both teams worked hard for each other although at times Ilkley seemed to drift towards the end and one can only assume that the pressure got to them a little with the league championship up for grabs.

It is not often that 0-0 draws are seen at this level but the result no way reflects the game as each side cancelled the other out technically. Referee's match points went to Richard Sharpe and Richard Ettenfield but the whole team is to be commended for a resilient and tireless performance.

l On Sunday Ilkley Under-13s play their final home league game of the season when they take on Stansfield Rovers with a 10.30 am kick-off.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.