Ilkley women stand firm to beat Leeds Medics & Dentists

In warm conditions, Ilkley Town AFC women produced a good first half display to see off the challenge of Leeds Medic & Dentists AFC at the MPM Stadium, writes Evan Seaman.

The Baht’atters got off to the best possible start when Hannah Piotrowski pounced after the rebound fell straight into her path as she blasted the ball home to make it 1-0 to the home side.

But Ilkley were now comfortable in possession and Millie Washington had a chance to double their lead when she found some space with the ball on the left-hand side of the box before going for glory, but the visitors’ keeper saved the shot.

However, shortly afterwards Leeds Medics equalized as they capitalized on a mistake to make the score all square again after about 20 minutes of play.

After about half an hour, Isabelle Armstrong gave the away team a warning when she drove with the ball before taking the shot on but the attempt at goal was parried away.

However, Armstrong eventually got her reward not long before the break when her powerful shot looped over the keeper and into the top corner to put Ilkley back in front.

In the second half, it was evident that the warm weather was getting to the players, and this impacted both teams as they struggled to create many chances in the final 45 minutes.

Armstrong did have one more chance to finish the game off when she went through on goal with the keeper following on from a great pass, but the shot was comfortably saved.

However, Claire Armstrong’s side held their nerve to win their final game of pre-season which puts them in good stead for their new 2023/24 campaign.

Ilkley women’s opening game of the season is away to Leeds Hyde Park on the 3rd of September at the Elida Gibbs Recreation ground which will be a tough test, but one they will be willing to embrace.