Town draw a blank against Saints (From Ilkley Gazette)

Town draw a blank against Saints

7:10am Thursday 3rd February 2011 in General By Mark Scott

Ilkley Town 0 Mount St Mary’s 0

Ilkley moved up to 13th in the Division One table despite a disappointing 0-0 draw.

All three points were well within Town’s grasp but a lack of clinical finishing meant that they had to settle for a point.

After the final whistle, Ilkley boss David Houlston said: “The game just needed something to break for us in the box but in terms of endeavour and effort I thought we did ok. St Mary’s were a little over physical at times but we passed the ball well and I am pleased with the performance.”

Right-back James Winward drew high praise from his manager saying he was ‘absolutely magnificent’ after he successfully nullified the threat which came from Mount St Mary’s left side.

St Mary’s had the better of the opening exchanges with a couple of hopeful balls forward which nearly put them through on goal but Ilkley quickly managed to impose their style of play and dominated the first half, creating a few goalscoring opportunities in the process.

Ilkley’s possession nearly turned into the opening goal after Andrew Bloom’s long free-kick found the head of Darren Munday but his effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper and it went just wide.

Just minutes later, Ilkley had a goal disallowed after the referee saw a push on the keeper whilst he was trying to claim a high looping ball and this added to Town’s frustration.

The chances continued to come for Ilkley as Danny Bott’s cross from the right was met by the right foot of striker Mark Houlston who fired it over the bar.

The best chance of the first half for Ilkley came just before half-time after Damien Smith’s sweetly struck left-footed volley went narrowly wide.

In the second half Ilkley continued to look the more dangerous team with Liam Blenkhorn lashing a shot over the bar before he later provided a ball from the left to Smith, who from the edge of the six-yard box, failed to take advantage.

Ilkley’s only worry was Mount St Mary’s threat from set-pieces but luckily the opposition attacks were few and far between.

Substitute Adam Davey had a late chance to break the deadlock his driven shot was saved.

Ilkley are back in league action again on Saturday with an away trip against Kippax (kick-off 2.30pm).