West Yorkshire Premier Division

Ilkley Town 2 Knaresborough Town Reserves 0

ILKLEY Town got their first win in three West Yorkshire League Premier Division games at Ben Rhydding on Saturday.

The game started with some free-flowing attacking football from both sides and after 13 minutes Knaresborough had a great chance to go in front.

Brandon Bligh put in a low cut back across the six-yard box. Chris Newby met it but Ilkley keeper James Hirst made a brilliant save to deny him.

The game then settled with Ilkley playing some high-tempo football, however they were finding it tough to break down a stubborn Knaresborough defence.

The visitors had another good chance after 44 minutes to go front, Joel Freeston had a delightful through ball played into him, but his shot went narrowly wide of Hirst’s goal.

Ilkley began the second half brightly and nearly went in front, Darren Munday’s header bounced over the bar following an excellent corner from Daniel Bott.

The home side finally got the breakthrough in the 57th minute when Adam Fowler was brought down in the box by Mike Harper.

The referee had no hesitation but to give a penalty and hand Harper his marching orders for his second yellow card.

Fowler stepped up and duly converted.

Knaresborough lost their composure and were reduced to nine men when Freeston was sent off after 67 minutes for getting two yellow cards in quick succession.

The first was for a foul and then for dissent. Ilkley nearly made it 2-0 after 75 minutes when Daniel Henderson’s close-range shot was parried by Dan Dekansi.

Ilkley sealed the three points in the closing minutes when Henderson volleyed in Danny Bott’s cross to make it 2-0. Ilkley start the defence of their Wharfedale Cup on Saturday away to Otley Town.