ACCURACY will be the key to success for Ilkley when they take on table-topping Huddersfield at Stacks Field on Saturday.

That’s the view of the Dalesmen’s forwards coach Nathan Smith who has been supervising his team’s preparations for their toughest National League Three North test.

Smith has watched Huddersfield play three times and has been impressed with what he has seen.

He said: “They are a very good side with a couple of very experienced players. They are well drilled. They don’t make mistakes and they execute their moves well.”

But Smith also believes that Ilkley can upset the league leaders, particularly as their injury list has diminished in length thanks to last week’s break from league action.

Centres Lewis Johnston and Elliot Morgan are both back and winger JH Johnson is in contention after injury. In the pack, lock Kieran Dannett is still ruled out but Nick Carolan returns after recovering from a mouth injury .

Prop Ollie Holtam and hooker Dan Lawrence are set to return to the front row.

“We were a bit depleted when we lost 34-22 at Rossendale,” said Smith. “We struggled in the first 20 minutes and the lads will be keen to put the record straight on Saturday.

“If we can play with accuracy and finish clinically, I see no reason why we cannot win.

“It is important that we do not become impatient or drop off tackles because Huddersfield will punish us.

“It is all about us getting our game right and doing properly. We mustn’t try to force the game.”

Smith has been particularly pleased with the contribution this season of his current second row partner Martyn Mitchell.

The former Bradford & Bingley player prefers to play in the back row, and Smith hopes he can soon return to his favoured position.

“We don’t have a lot of second rows, but Martyn has gone in their and done a great job. I have been very impressed with his performances and he has fitted in very quickly since joining us in the summer.

“He has turned in consistently good performances and had made a big contribution to the team.”