Aberford 0, Ilkley Town 1

ILKLEY travelled to Aberford and an alternative venue to usual as the home team's normal pitch had been ruined by moles and badgers.

So the match was played on a park pitch in Garforth, which was not ideal for either team as it was not conducive to passing football.

The hosts, as expected, adapted better as they played a direct style to a tall target man, who then attempted to bring other players into the game.

Ilkley, on the other hand, attempted to play when they could and in other circumstances took no risks on the uneven surface.

The visitors began to work the ball into wide areas, creating crossing opportunities. At least three quality deliveries came in but Ilkley either did not have the numbers or were slow to react and the chance was lost.

Gareth Pickup pressed the ball, won possession and drove into space before driving the ball goalwards. The Aberford goalkeeper was rooted to the spot but watched the ball strike his crossbar and drop into his arms.

Matt Tolleson followed this up with a 30-yard drive over the bar as Ilkley started to mount more pressure.

The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Aberford took a corner. The ball was won by an Ilkley head and played forward quickly, with the ball running through to the goalkeeper.

Ilkley were quick to press as a group and Adam Fowler forced the goalkeeper to miscue his kick straight to Ben Dexter, who played a quick one-two with man of the match Matt Tolleson and released Adam Davey down the right-hand side.

Davey drove into the penalty area and delivered a low cross to the back post, where Jack Murray was on hand to tap in from close range.

Aberford stepped up their work rate after the break and were a constant threat from set-pieces. But Ilkley defended well as a team and stood firm.

With 20 minutes remaining, Aberford changed formation to leave five men in advanced positions as they attempted to get back into the game.

It was at this point that Ilkley had opportunities to finish the contest as they looked to utilise the pace of Murray, who found himself in good positions on two or three occasions and possibly should have added to his tally.

With 15 minutes to go, Ilkley introduced 16-year-old Tom Smith for his first-team debut. Smith has been a revelation for the second team and thoroughly deserved his opportunity.

But it was left to 19-year-old Adam Fowler, who was a constant threat to the Aberford back line, to turn and create an opportunity for himself which went agonisingly wide.