ILKLEY Town Academy are celebrating a Craven League double triumph.

Two victories in a week over their closest rivals Silsden Whitestar Reserves saw them lift the Division Three title and the League Cup.

With Whitestar three points ahead in the league going into the final game of the season, Town knew only a win would do.

Given Town's superior goal difference, three points would secure the title for the young side – many of whom were experiencing their first season in open age football.

Despite some periods of pressure from the experienced Silsden side, Ilkley ran out 3-0 winners.

James Brennan scored Town’s vital first goal on the half hour mark with Tom Weir curling in a sublime free-kick home to double their advantage after the break.

After some brilliant individual play, Alfie Warren smashed home a third goal to seal the win and the title for Town’

Left-back Charlie Hopkinson came away with the game's man of the match award.

Just 72 hours later, both teams met in the Division Three League Cup final at Cowling.

Town’s young squad were fired up from the outset, imposing themselves quickly on the match.

They took the lead through Blake Wood who converted a superb Matty Iliff corner-kick.

Unlike the previous meeting, Whitestar struggled to get a foot-hold and mid-way through the second half, Town doubled their lead after some superb team play.

Dom Green teed up Blake Wood who carried the ball into the box beyond the defenders and hit a lethal finish past the hapless Silsden goalkeeper for his second of the game and 31st of the season. Silsden made a spectacle of the final ten minutes when they broke into Town’s box and finished neatly beyond goalkeeper Harry Cooper.

Only a few minutes later, Silsden were awarded a free-kick 20 yards outside Ilkley’s penalty area.

Cooper produced a great stop down to his right to push the ball out for a corner-kick.

It was last chance saloon for Whitestar with a goal at this stage likely to bring two periods of added time.

Town defended brilliantly and managed to breakaway in the last minute with captain James Knapp carrying the ball from defence.

After a neat touch from Warren, Tom Weir broke past Whitestar’s defence and finished across the on-rushing keeper to seal the double for the Academy with a 3-1 win.

Academy Coach Anthony Hart said: "It has been a superb campaign for Town’s youngsters and they thoroughly deserve their success.

"The club is in good health given the talent coming through the ranks and it will be great to see the lads shine next season as they take steps towards first team football."