Ilkley edge closer to the playoffs after comfortable win against Steeton
Steeton 2 - 4 Ilkley
On a wet and windy afternoon, an impressive second half display from Ilkley Town AFC saw them overcome a Steeton side who are currently lacking confidence, writes Evan Seaman.
Ilkley started the match strongly and were controlling possession, before breaking the deadlock when Blake Wood went through on goal and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to put them ahead.
But Steeton struck back quickly when Luke Baldwin broke away from the last defender to make it all square at the break to set up an important second half for both sides at opposite ends of the table.
The atmosphere around the ground was quiet as the bad weather seemed to have put supporters off from attending the match.
The next 45 started slowly despite The Baht’atters being comfortable on the ball, before attacking midfielder Nathan Hunt found space inside the penalty area and blasted the ball home to regain their advantage.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, Kevin Gonzalez poked home from close range after Alfie Dean’s pass to double their lead for the first time of the match.
Then new signing Tabish Hussain nearly got on the scoresheet but his attempt at goal rattled the post.
But at the other end of the pitch Baldwin scored from the spot to give the home fans a glimmer of hope.
However, Ilkley finally rounded off their victory when Dean dribbled past the last man before composing himself to get their fourth goal of the match.
The result means Sam Dexter’s side are just two points off the playoffs with two games in hand over Route One Rovers, so they have a strong chance of overtaking before the end of the season.
Whereas the outlook for Steeton is rather different, as they are battling to avoid the drop and are currently just one point off the bottom three.
Ilkley play their penultimate home match of the season next Saturday (30 March) against Ashton Athletic. Kick off 3pm.