Ilkley U-8's 1 WESTON LANE U8's 3

ILKLEY Under-8s played hosts to Weston Lane, who were to by Ilkley's toughest opponents so far this season. The home team were tested from the start with Lane having the advantage of the wind behind them, their forward Nic Hewitt struck a fine shot which the 'keeper failed to hold and the ball was bundled over the line.

The Ilkley back three of Liam Blackwell, Stephen Pearce and Forrest Hamilton were kept busy throughout the first- half when Weston Lane had long periods of possession and were rewarded with their second goal just before half-time.A cross from the right eluded the defence and found Lewis Holdsworth unmarked and he fired home. Lane spent the remainder of the half striving for a third goal and Joseph Anslow hit the bar and post before the ball was scrambled away.

At the re-start, Ilkley used the wind to their advantage trying shots from distance and Lane defenders Bryn Durling and Jonathan Hannah were under pressure. Hugh Crosse and Harry Appleby worked well for Ilkley supplying forwards Rob Caddick and Alex Sinclair with opportunities which Caddick used to bring Ilkley back into the game by scoring their first goal .

Whilst Ilkley were still busy admiring their goal Lane went straight from the kick-off and scored their third with a well-worked goal. Lewis Greenwood and Lewis Holdsworth combined to put Hewitt in for his second leaving the home team dumfounded, and a lesson to be learned by the young side. Bryn Durling was in good form to keep Ilkley out.

Ilkley subs Matthew Hawkes and David Russell came on to tighten things up and they did their jobs well. Ilkley's goalkeeper Matthew Grimes denied the visitors numerous chances with some brave saves. This was a hard contested game for Ilkley and a match well-refereed by Peter Blackwell. Ilkley's Man-of-the-Match was Matthew Grimes. Lane could be well pleased with their win in adverse conditions. They will hope it is less breezy when they entertain Sandy Lane on Sunday.

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