Ilkley Town 1 Shelley 2

PREMIER Division new boys Ilkley Town suffered their seventh defeat in a close-fought encounter at Ben Rhydding.

Both sides were keen to get an early goal and it was Shelley who produced one. Aaron Nicholson making the breakthrough

The goal was followed with a good period of play from Ilkley who had two chances to score.

The first one came from a free kick which led to a Matt Tollefson header going just wide.

The second resulted from an attack led by George Gomersall. After one shot was blocked, Gomersall had his effort from the rebound saved by the Shelley goalkeeper.

The visitors extended their lead on the hour mark when Nicholson netted his second goal of the game.

Ilkley's efforts were finally rewarded with ten minutes to go. A move down Ilkley's left led to the ball being played in to substitute Alex Macpherson's feet.

The young player beat two players before tucking the ball away with a powerful strike.

Ilkley were unable to find a second goal, with the visitors taking 3 points back to Huddersfield.

Town's next game is on Saturday when they host Horbury Town at Ben Rhydding Sports Club (2.30pm).

Howden Clough Reserves 4 Ilkley Town Reserves 3

THE reserves were unlucky not to take a point from their visit to Howden Clough, opening the scoring in the first minute but finding themselves 4-3 down with half an hour to play.

Despite some good pressure and an excellent save from the home keeper there was no further score. James Brennan (2) and Jack Murray were the Ilkley scorers.