SPORTS fans from Ilkley will be able to fill their boots with entertainment this weekend as Ilkley Town and Ilkley Rugby Club make their returns to the field.

For Town, it's probably their biggest contest of the diary- the game in which their fans will have looked towards once the fixture list was announced for their maiden Step Six campaign.

A menacing task lies ahead for Sam Dexter's side as they travel to the unbeaten and table topping Bury AFC on Saturday (3:00 PM).

Although Bury are flying high at the table's summit, in recent weeks Ilkley have had more than enough to cheer about, with Dexter arriving into his new role and doing a fine job.

Throughout November, Town couldn't buy a win, but a change in form and perhaps mentality has resulted in the Baht’atters collecting seven points from their last nine, their most recent coming in a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to South Liverpool on December 28.

Striker, Kevin Gonzalez also received recollection for his great work in December, by receiving a Player of the Month vote from 'Non League Yorkshire.'

So despite facing a rampant Bury side, Town have every reason to be confident going into this mouth-watering tie, especially with the likes of Gonzalez in their ranks.

Some may call this tie a free hit for Ilkley, but a victory would be pivotal for the Baht’atters in their bid for survival.

Dexter's men currently sit one place and three points above the relegation zone, but thankfully for Town the sides below them no longer have a game in hand.

The question is, can Ilkley's boss continue his fine to start to life in the dug-out, and even claim perhaps the biggest victory in Ilkley's history?

Elsewhere, fans of Ilkley Rugby Club will finally be able to get their rugby fix following the closure of the festive break.

It's been a long time coming for their fans and even their players, as the last time Ilkley took to the field was on December 11when they ran away with a brilliant 27-0 victory at Durham City.

Rhys Morgan's men were also scheduled to play at home to Morpeth on December 18, but that fixture was postponed.

The wait is over now and nearly a month later, Ilkley will be hoping to shake off a few cobwebs when they host Old Brodleians on Saturday.

Like the footballing side, Ilkley have an equally important clash awaiting them this weekend, with both themselves and Brods vying for a spot near the top of the table.

The latter did manage to play on December 18, beating Morley 29-14 away from home to cement their second placed spot.

In fourth, Ilkley are the chasing pack and a win would give them great belief ahead of the season's second half.