Ilkley YOUTH 1

GRASSINGTON 1

IN one of only two matches to be played in the Craven League because of poor weather, the Guyson sponsored Ilkley Youth side travelled to third-placed Grassington who were fortified by the inclusion of first team players seeking a game.

On a pitch that was playable but likely to cut-up, the strong wind and slope posed additional problems for both teams.

After last week's disappointing defeat, the league-leading Ilkley Youth side suffered a Saturday morning setback when goalkeeper Peter Taylor was injured during a cricket practice!

An incredible and peculiarly British circumstance, but a chance for Joe McTigue to show his versatility between the posts.

Against the wind and with slope advantage, Ilkley Youth made a lively start with Keith and Wheeler featuring prominently in wide positions.

Martin just failed to connect with a Keith cross and Horne saw a close range shot blocked on the goal-line and scrambled to safety.

Minutes later, Horne's turn and shot across goal eluded Keith at the far post and Grassington survived thanks to some desperate defending.

As an attacking force, Grassington did not have one shot at goal despite wind advantage in the first half tells the story of superb Ilkley defending.

One corner saw Wheeler well-placed to clear as the ball dropped in the six-yard box otherwise Beaumont, Dixon, Houlston and Stewart gave Grassington forwards little time or space, but more importantly, the young defenders were determined in the challenge against players with a significant size advantage.

Maintaining shape well, and with Rishworth and Tim McTigue battling for every loose ball in midfield, Ilkley looked more likely to score, and on an increasingly boggy surface managed to piece together several coherent passing moves.

A half-time score of 0-0 was fully justified and the team performance in the first half was one of the best of the season to date.

With wind advantage in the second half, Ilkley Youth imposed territorial dominance after initial skirmishes, and John Keith tormented the Grassington left-back in a succession of right-wing raids.

From his crosses, Wheeler, Martin and Horne might have done better with close range chances that were blocked on the goal line, and Grassington's first team goalkeeper must have wondered which division he was playing in as Ilkley Youth kept him under constant pressure.

As goal-scoring chances refused to go in the net, a feeling of deja-vu descended over the Ilkley supporters following last week's experiences against Bronte.

But the feeling was relieved when Keith broke through, and though his shot was saved by the goalkeeper, Horne followed up in predatory fashion to force the ball into the net from close-range.

A thoroughly deserved lead that might have been added to when Rishworth was scythed down in the penalty area only for play to continue, and soon after McTigue blasted wide from 20 yards and Horne's chip shot hit the top of the crossbar.

Ilkley's goal provoked a competitive response from Grassington, for whom the introduction of substitutes provided fresh legs and a suspicion of more first-team reinforcements.

As the lightweight Ilkley Youth forwards tired in the quagmire, the heavyweight Grassington defenders were able to play the ball forward with more purpose and it was the time for the Youth defenders to take the stage again.

With 15 minutes to go, Joe McTigue had still to make a save and Grassington had not created a goal-scoring opportunity from open play.

Houlston and Dixon were outstanding in repelling increasing route-one tactics, and it was disappointing that Grassington should equalise from a needlessly conceded free-kick.

Hoisted into a penalty area packed with bodies, the loose ball was forced into the net from close range with McTigue stranded and defenders static.

The introduction of super-subs Campbell and Bedford replaced some tiring legs, but could not produce a late winner for Ilkley Youth.

Both teams were content to take a point from the game as a hailstorm blizzard descended in the last five minutes, and credit must be given to the referee for controlling the game firmly and sensibly in difficult conditions.

Though Ilkley players felt a point had been dropped, this was a game that demonstrated growing team spirit and resolve in a game that was always a potential banana-skin.

Mark Houlston gained the man-of-the-match award for a determined and mature defensive display, but every Ilkley player deserved applause for an excellent team performance in difficult circumstances.

John Keith had his best game in an Ilkley shirt and David Dixon was outstanding.

l On Saturday, Ilkley Youth entertain Carleton at the Grammar School Fields (Kick-off 2.30pm).

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