Aberford Albion 0 Ilkley Town 1

Ilkley continued their unbeaten run in 2011 with a hard-fought, but well-deserved, away win at Aberford. The points went Ilkley’s way courtesy of a fine goal from influential substitute Dave Power.

His header was one of the easier goals he will score, courtesy of a fine piece of build up play involving Rob McKenzie and James Winward. McKenzie raced onto a driven Winward through ball in a manner that belied his years and drew the keeper away from his goal, before squaring to the unmarked Power.

The goal capped off a determined performance which put paid to Town’s ongoing tendency to let winning positions slide. The outcome could also have been so much different if it hadn’t been for a season’s best perform ance from James Hirst in the Ilkley goal and for two vital goal-line clearances from Matt Trimnell.

While Ilkley enjoyed the majority of possession during the first half, clear cut chances were few and far between as the visitors lacked quality on the final ball. Jimmy Hannaford shot wide following a powerful run across the edge of the box but may have earned a penalty had he not fought to keep his footing when caught by opposition tackles.

Meanwhile, Aberford created better openings to break the deadlock, despite having less possession. Firstly, a ball bent round the back of the Ilkley defence was latched onto by an Albion striker but Hirst won the one-on-one battle as he turned the shot around the post.

Town had a true heart-in-mouth moment shortly afterwards as an Aberford head glanced a cross goalwards over the onrushing Hirst. Trimnell looked to have let the ball drift beyond himself as well, but hooked the ball clear at the last minute.

After gaining the advantage early in the second half, Town seemed to lose their way in attack.

They were unwilling to commit too many players forward and often opted to clear the ball long rather than retain possession.

This invited the home side to attack and Trimnell had to clear the ball off the line again when a ball squirmed under Hirst from a tight angle.

The overworked Hirst was also called on to save a one-on-one for a second time. With the opposition becoming frustrated, tempers flared as Winward and Hannaford clashed with the opposition.

Ultimately, Ilkley weathered the storm and were relieved to get over the finish line. On Saturday, Town entertain Ossett Common Rovers at Ben Rhydding Sports Club (2.30pm).