Ilkley come out on top against Appleby Frodingham
On a sunny afternoon, Ilkley Town AFC produced a solid second half display to eventually win 3-1 against Appleby Frodingham thanks to goals from James Nightingale, Alfie Dean and Jack Lane, writes Evan Seaman.
The first 15 minutes of the match started slowly as both sides were struggling to carve out an opening despite the hosts dominating possession.
Then suddenly, midfielder James Nightingale produced an outstanding long-range goal when he picked the ball up on the edge of the box and blasted it into the top corner to break the deadlock. This sent the home dugout into raptures because this was his first competitive goal for the club in six years.
After a period of not many opportunities, full-back Jack Lane doubled their advantage which put Ilkley in control of the game.
Then as the game ended, attacking midfielder Alfie Dean grabbed a goal to seal the victory for Ilkley and move them within one place of the playoff positions.
The result means The Baht’tatters move further up the table which is surely another step forward for the club. Next up for them is Armthorpe Welfare who sit in 8th place so it will surely be a feisty encounter.
Photograph: Paul Di Mambro