ILKLEY will be looking to ride the momentum of a close win at the weekend when they travel to a struggling Wilmslow side this Saturday.

The Dalesmen looked in control against Lymm last week but ended up having to come from behind to win 20-18.

“We started really well, but we almost threw it away,” said Ilkley coach Rhys Morgan. “We butchered a couple of chances when we needed to put them away.”

With Ilkley up 17-6 in the second half, a puzzling decision to yellow card Ollie Holtam gave Lymm a way back into the game.

“The referee pulled a rabbit out of his hat,” said Morgan. “It was a strange decision and gave them an opportunity to be dominant in the set piece.”

But everyone at the club was relieved when Charles Ramsey converted a penalty in the dying minutes.

“Had it not been for that kick at goal in the dying minutes, it would not have been the result we deserved.

“But we’ll take the four points,” said Morgan. “Before the game I would have said it was important but not crucial, but then Kendal and Vale of Lune both won so it was a more important win than I realised. But I’m sure it’s not the defining moment of our season.

“That win rocketed us up the table, but more importantly it closes the gap on teams higher up and will give us a bit of confidence going into this Saturday’s game at Wilmslow.”

Wilmslow are currently at the bottom of the North Premier Division with just one win in 11 games.

“They’re going to be catching up to the pace of this division,” said Morgan. “They’re getting wiser and more experienced as they go along.”

Morgan will be eager for his players to keep up the momentum and ensure that it carries over successive home games with Harrogate and Sandal in what will be a busy schedule for Ilkley in the lead up to Christmas.

Ilkley will welcome back Pat Atkinson into the side, who will be making his season debut following his travels around Canada.

Second row Luke Pearson will also be back from injury.

Blake Morgan, who has had a slight knee injury, will be available against hosts Wilmslow, but Harry Wales is facing a fitness test in training this week.