Ilkley Junior Youth 0
Intake 2
THE famous Liverpool manager Bill Shankly reportedly said after his side had dominated a 0-0 draw at Anfield against arch rivals Leeds United that 'We could have played until Christmas and still not scored a goal.'
Though a windswept and boggy East Holmes field might not match the splendour of Anfield, the hardy faithful who watched this game left wondering how Ilkley Juniors Youth could have lost.
As the Intake captain said at the final whistle, 'You played us off the park but we scored two goals.'
And that is the enigmatic nature of this glorious game - ask John Hollins and Harry Redknapp.
Despite the recent poor weather and after some Saturday morning baling-out of puddles that resembled Kalahari waterholes, the pitch was in surprisingly good condition and favoured the quicker passing and movement of the Ilkley Youth side.
In the first 10 minutes Ilkley forced three corners and Joe Horne saw a superb glancing header brilliantly saved by the Intake goalkeeper Tyrrell.
Paul McTigue, Rishworth and Martin all had shots saved by the goalkeeper before a breakout by Intake reminded the Ilkley team of their potential threat.
Both central attackers were fast and Taylor, in the Ilkley goal, did well to deal with two swirling high crosses.
However, these lessons were not learned quickly enough, when, after another Ilkley corner, Intake broke through the middle and the centre forward raced onto a through ball to slide the ball under Taylor.
This was to prove the last Intake attack of merit until the closing minutes of the game but it was enough to give them the lead.
The remainder of the first-half continued with Ilkley maintaining the bulk of possession but unable to force a clear chance against a resilient Intake defence in which the goalkeeper was outstanding.
In the second-half, against the wind, Ilkley played even better football with Hey outstanding on the left, and Beaumont, Houlston and Hammond more resolute in defending the threat of occasional breakaways by Intake.
As Joe McTigue and Rishworth gained more domination of the loose ball in midfield, Ilkley surged forward and well-worked short corners saw Hey's cross flash through a crowded six-yard box and another Hey shot tipped over the bar.
Horne shot past the far post from a narrow angle and full-back Dixon drove a 25-yarder straight at the 'keeper.
As the game moved into the final 20 minutes, the watching spectators began to question fate.
The introduction of Dadd, Crowther and debutant Mark Czernastek in attack caused even greater problems for a tiring and overworked Intake defence.
Crowther was crudely chopped down in quick succession and Dadd and Czernastek had shots blocked in the penalty area.
On the occasions Intake played long balls forward, Beaumont was a commanding figure and the Intake forwards made a habit of standing in offside positions.
Nevertheless, there was a creeping and fatalistic inevitability about the second Intake goal. With Ilkley defenders appealing for a throw-in, the Intake left-winger cut back inside and hit a low cross-cum-shot towards the far post.
A slight deflection saw the ball drift through the ruck of players on the edge of the penalty area and past an unsighted Taylor to nestle in the far corner of the net. Rough justice, maybe, put the name of the game.
This was one of Ilkley Youth team's best performances against better quality opponents. Commitment was high and some of the passing movements and support play was excellent.
But the cutting edge was a little blunt and around the penalty area a greater desire to make things happen was required - better defenders make fewer mistakes, so waiting for them to happen might take a long time.
Allen Hey deservedly gained the Man-of-the- Match award for his best display in senior football.
Antony Beaumont and Mark Houlston had exellent second-half performances. Simon Hammond and Paul Rishworth also played particularly well.
l On Saturday Ilkley Youth entertain joint league leaders Lothersdale in another testing league fixture.
Kick-off is at 2.00pm at East Homes for what should be another indication of the progress made by the Youth players.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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