Ilkley AFC 4

Burley TROJANS 2

ILKLEY completed a Harrogate League double over local rivals Burley Trojans cracking in four goals to keep their Division One survival hopes alive.

For 75 minutes Burley were run ragged by a fit, hard working and blossoming Ilkley side who by half-time could easily have been five or six goals in front.

New signing Tom Griffin made his debut and other changes to the Ilkley side included Matt Long, Ashley Roberts, Richard Giles and Max Bellwood all returning to the side. Roberts was a major influence with his playmaking and ball winning in midfield setting Ilkley on the way to victory. Buchanan and Bellwood made good runs on the flanks to make Roberts' job all the easier.

In the third minute Alan Stockdale headed home following a Galasso corner. Stockdale twice went close only to be denied by 'keeper Constantine. Martin Buchanan tried his luck but his shot whistled over.

Burley lacked balance and direction and for the best part Ilkley applied the pressure and stopped Burley from finding any sort of rhythm.

Stockdale grabbed his second and then just before the interval Robinson went close for Burley but his header flashed wide of Foster's right hand post.

In the second-half Ilkley continued to pile on the pressure with Giles and Roberts denied by two excellent saves by Constantine.

A snap shot by Davey at the other end served as a warning to Ilkley not to get complacent. Once again Andy Bloom and David Taylor looked solid at the back alongside Long and Griffin but more importantly they oused confidence.

Bloom and Long instigated the move that saw Max Bellwood score after riding a couple of challenges.

With 15 minutes left Ilkley took their foot off the gas and Burley for the first time in the game showed some purpose and they were aided by Ilkley 'keeper Foster who palmed the ball into his own net instead of pushing it over the bar.

He made a hash of it again when he came off his line and was lobbed by Nelson.

This set up a frantic final five minutes and when Burley forced a corner everyone was in there including their 'keeper but Ilkley cleared the danger. The ball fell for Paul Lenik who raced away to fire into an empty net.

There were good performances all round from Ilkley although they almost threw the game away with some silly mistakes and a lack of concentration.

Match points went to Ashley Roberts and Martin Buchanan for Ilkley. Andy Bloom leads the chase for the match points trophy with 31/2 while David Taylor, Paul Foster, Ashley Roberts and Alan Stockdale all have two points.

l On Saturday Ilkley must produce the goods again when they entertain Bramhope with players meeting at Ilkley CC at 2.15 pm for a 3 pm kick-off.

Burley Trojans Res 2

Masham 6

Burley Trojans Reserves crashed to their first league defeat in over four months when they faced the in form Masham. A high scoring encounter was always on the cards with the two previous meetings between the sides this season yielding 18 goals.

The home side, severely depleted by injuries and holidays and without a recognised 'keeper, were never in the match and player-manager Scott MacDonald now faces a difficult task in rebuilding confidence after this mauling.

The visitors tore into Trojans from the outset and raced into a three goal lead within 10 minutes. That was the cue for MacDonald to take over in goal but he was powerless to prevent his side from falling further behind.

Trojans showed some resilience by hitting back when midfielder Iain Gibbons was felled in the area and Kelly Anderton confidently netted the penalty.

Gibbons then forced the 'keeper into a fine save as Trojans tried to force their way back into the match.

The second-half was much more even but with Trojans pushing forward gaps started to appear at the back. They were duly punished as Masham hit them twice on the break in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt.

The home side never gave up and could have reduced the arrears when Stuart Forrest was through on goal but he shot straight at the 'keeper. Defender Tony Grint then headed just over from a corner but Anderton did give the scoreline some respectability when he collected a weak clearance and coolly lobbed the 'keeper from 30 yards.

This result enabled Masham to make up ground on Trojans in the promotion race and Trojans will be hoping to bounce back to form at Pateley Bridge on Saturday.

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