ILKLEY are in need of better on-field direction as they prepare to visit Morley for their first National League Three North derby of the season.

Head of rugby Rhys Morgan was frustrated by the way his team lost their way after a bright start and went down 29-16 at home to Billingham.

The Dalesmen's scrum and line-out, which have been inconsistent in the past, worked well so the loss was a cause of frustration for Morgan.

He said: "There were a lot of good things but we paid for lapses in our concentration, failing to stick yo our game plan and poor game management.

"It all looked so good in the early stages. We did well in the set piece, our ruck and maul were good as was our kicking game, but one moment of carelessness just before half-time proved so costly.

"We switched off collectively from a line-out and they strolled through for a try. It was all too easy and all so avoidable. Instead of holding a 13-5 half-time lead we were just one point ahead."

The second half proved to be hugely disappointing. Ilkley were unable to get going and the errors crept in.

"We took wrong options and we got on the wrong side of the referee and paid the price," said Morgan. "We gave away a penalty try which saw Ben Magee receive a yellow card and that was that.

"There was lots of effort but not enough direction. I also feel we still need to gell as a team with so many new players."

An ankle injury to winger JH Johnson didn't help the Ilkley cause. He could miss the Morley clash which could open the way for former Old Otliensians back Luke Freer who impressed in pre-season.