Ilkley Cruise to Victory on Opening Day
In a new chapter in Ilkley Town’s history, the Baht’atters recorded a convincing victory for their first game in the Northern Counties East League after defeating opponents Maltby Main 2-0.
Kevin Gonzalez’s header ensured a lead at the break, before Toby Marriott’s close-range goal doubled Ilkley’s advantage in the second half, writes Matt Lambe.
Town named a much changed starting eleven to last season following several departures, meaning eight players made their league debuts for the Baht’atters today.
The visitors began the opening 20 minutes brightly but were denied by solid defending from centre back Harris. Maltby also registered the first shot on target, which was well saved by goalkeeper Matthew Keen.
Following this, the Baht’atters enjoyed much more possession and were able to control the match at a suitable tempo. This led to far more action in the offensive half, with Marriott almost taking the lead after Barker’s drilled pass.
Within a minute, Sam Dexter’s side were on the front foot again, and Gonzalez saw his attempt parried away by Owen.
Ilkley continued to pile on the pressure against Maltby, and were rewarded in the 31st minute. Thierry Hendrickson crossed into Gonzalez, who found the net with his second header after his first attempt was saved.
Shortly before half time, Harry Brown looked certain to have doubled Ilkley’s advantage with a powerful strike destined for the roof of the net. However, an excellent stop by Owen kept Town’s lead to one heading into half time.
In the second half, the Baht’atters continued to pepper Maltby’s box with crosses, which paid dividends in the 51st minute when Marriott’s close-range finish cemented their lead. An offensive set piece was nodded onto the crossbar, before a goalmouth scramble ensued and Ilkley’s number nine was the first to pounce.
Sam Dexter’s side looked to capitalise and score another in quick succession, with Dan Smith coming the closest. He danced past three Maltby defenders before seeing his effort fly over.
At the other end of the MPM Stadium, the visitors threatened to halve the deficit; a strike from distance flashed just wide, while Keen was called into action to palm away a dangerous set-piece. Nevertheless, continued solid defending from Ilkley’s back line shut out Maltby’s forwards for much of the second half, so the two-goal cushion remained intact.
Ilkley weathered the temporary Maltby storm and squandered opportunities for a third. Approaching the final whistle, the visitors nearly conceded an own goal with a misplaced back pass, but goalkeeper Owen clawed away in time.
This concluded the action, ensuring the hosts left the MPM Stadium with three points and a clean sheet. Looking to the future, the Baht’atters have successive away league games, travelling first to Wombwell Town on Tuesday 30th July (19:45), before visiting Nostell Miners Welfare on Saturday 3rd August.