Ilkley AFC 8

Dalton Athletic 1

ILKLEY AFC go into this Saturday's crunch league encounter with Pool brimming with confidence after an eight goal rampage against Dalton Athletic.

This thrashing only came about in the final 20 minutes as Ilkley took full advantage of their tiring visitors - netting six of their goals in this period.

Before the goals began to fly in, Ilkley only held a slender 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Jonathan Hughes and John Day.

It could easily have been 5-0 at half-time but the post and several goal line clearances kept Dalton in the game.

Ashley Roberts and John Sayers were missing from the Ilkley midfield so Jonathan Hughes and Steve Hall came into the side making up a four man midfield with Giles and Day.

Dalton were always second to the ball and any attacks were dealt with by a solid and hardworking back four.

Keeper Stuart Middleton was only called upon once to make a good save in the 30th minute.

Exciting passing football was always difficult on a bobbly West Holmes pitch.

The second-half saw Cathul Kelly and Max Bellwood enter the fray for Alan Stockdale and Steve Hall respectively.

Fresh legs and a different approach seemed to do the trick as Ilkley began to score at will.

Rick Wilson and Max Bellwood both grabbed a brace while the goal of the game came from the boot of the impressive Andy Bloom.

He picked the ball up on the half-way line, breezed through the Dalton defence and lifted the ball over the 'keeper.

Bloom and Richard Giles shared match point, having shown both skill and hard graft.

There were also good outings for Wilson and Matt Long.

Right-back David Taylor continues to do his job quietly but effectively.

l Ilkley will have to find top form for the visit of Pool on Saturday.

They are still unbeaten in the league. With the Harrogate League Premier Division beckoning for both sides a good game is in prospect.

The game kicks-off at 2pm. Good support for the Ilkley team could make all the difference.

Ilkley will select from: S Middleton, D Taylor, M Long, A Bloom, C Marsh, A Roberts, R Giles, J Hughes, J Day, S Stockdale, R Wilson, C Kelly, S Hall, M Bellwood, J Sayers. (Players meet at Ilkley Cricket Club at 1.15pm).

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