COMING off a loss at league leaders Hull, Ilkley have another tough game with aspirations of promotion when they host third-placed Blaydon at Stacks Field this Saturday.

"We did ok in the first half, but they got on top of us in terms of possession and position.

"We kept the ball in the second half," added Morgan. "The final scoreline (28-11) was not a true reflection of how vulnerable they were in the second half.

"But ultimately it was lack of possession that cost us the spoils at the end of the day."

However, Morgan was pleased with the performance of his team against a very good Hull side aiming for promotion to National League Two North.

He praised Dan Lawrence, "who did a fantastic job and stepped up to the mark at loose head prop" in place of the injured Ollie Holtam.

"We were giving up nearly two stone a man, and they're a team who are renowned for their scrummaging. They've mauled some teams at home.

"We did a cracking job, and I'm really proud of the lads," said Morgan, whose squad now turn their attention to this Saturday's encounter against third-placed Blaydon, who will no doubt be aiming to keep in touching distance of a play-off berth.

"They have a big pack too and will be a challenge for us up front. They also have a good kicking game."

Blaydon beat the Dalesmen 36-10 at their ground in November, and Morgan said in that game two early tries by Blaydon meant Ilkley had to play catch up on a 4G surface.

The home advantage at Stacks Field will hopefully be beneficial for eight-placed Ilkley, who are aiming improve on last season's sixth place finish.

This Saturday will mark Ilkley captain Elliot Morgan's 100th appearance for the club.

"He has done well," said Rhys Morgan. "Elliot has hardly missed a game in the last three years."

The Ilkley coach anticipates that Holtam will be back in this Saturday's team, and JH Johnson is also expected to make a return to the squad.

Morgan also expects Max McKay, who returned to the team last week after a long-term injury, to be even sharper with a game under his belt.

The match against Blaydon kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.