Ilkley back to winning ways

Pateley 1

Ilkley got back to winning ways with a positive team performance at home to Pateley Bridge on Saturday.

A brace from Ashley Roberts and one apiece for Bellwood and Mynnett helped Ilkley to victory in this Harrogate Premier Division fixture.

The home side started with three up front as they sought to get at their opponents from the start.

Stockdale, Wilson and Hall led the line and in the opening 15 minutes all had half chances come their way with Wilson being the closest when his volley on the turn crashed against the crossbar.

Having weathered the early pressure Bridge began to settle and string their passes together. Ilkley allowed a generous amount of space down the flanks from which their opponents delivered some menacing crosses that brought Ilkley 'keeper Williams into the game.

He produced a top save when a 25 yard effort zipped through a crowded penalty area and Williams did well to hold on at full stretch with two hungry strikers closing in for left overs.

The game at this point was evenly contested and the pace quickening, Roberts and Bellwood received yellow cards in a busy afternoon for the official who also booked four bridge players also for late challenges.

The breakthrough came on the half hour when a cross from down the Ilkley right found its way over to Roberts and he neatly stroked the ball into the 'keeper's far corner.

In the second-half the home side were well on top. Glen Riley came on for striker Rick Wilson.

Now with four across the middle Ilkley were buzzing. Left back Bellwood picked up the ball in his own half before tearing away down the wing.

After beating the challenges of two Bridge players he coolly lifted the ball over the advancing 'keeper into the net.

Mynnett replaced Hall upfront and he had a couple of chances before opening his account. Right back Braithwaite linked with Riley who delivered a perfect cross from Mynnett to thump home from the edge of the edge of he box. Pateley were fighting back and forced a corner from which they scored when Carrington rose at the far post and headed home.

Then a timely challenge from the impressive Bloom denied them another opening. Riley too made a great tackle to keep the visitors out.

The goal of the game came when Hughes and Giles fed the ball to Braithwaite. He supplied Riley who nutmegged two players before cutting back for Roberts to finish easily. This was a good performance from all the side and to choose a Man-of-the- Match was a task in itself. Giles, Bellwood, Taylor and Braithwaite were on form however Bloom and Roberts just shaded it.

l On Saturday Ilkley visit Hampswaite. Meet at 12.45pm.

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