Ilkley Battle to Fine Away Win
Swallownest FC 0-2 Ilkley Town
Ilkley Town AFC returned to winning ways with an impressive away win against the in-form Swallownest FC. A defensively competent display throughout gave the Baht’atters a clean sheet, while goals from Kevin Gonzalez either side of half time ensured victory in a hard-fought match, writes Matt Lambe.
In the early stages, neither side was able to retain possession, leading to a scrappy period in which chances were few and far between.
However, after around 20 minutes the Baht’atters gained composure and began to enjoy more possession. This resulted in more opportunities, most notably Luke Baldwin’s inviting low cross which Gonzalez almost reached in time.
With momentum on their side, Ilkley continued to press forward; Josh Parker’s crossfield ball found Gonzalez, whose first time effort looped marginally over.
Despite Sam Dexter’s side having more of the ball, the hosts always remained a threat and in the opening half hour winger Leonard Kovac volleyed wide from inside the box, while Ilkley shot-stopper Matthew Keen was called into action to catch a dangerous corner.
In the 38th minute, Gonzalez opened the scoring to reward Ilkley’s promising play so far. Toby Marriott rose highest to meet Parker’s free kick, nodding the ball towards Gonzalez. The winger reached Marriott’s pass first, sliding the ball underneath the onrushing goalkeeper.
With the final action of the first half, the Baht’atters came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage. Marriott drove past two defenders to reach the byline and drag the ball back to Dan Smith. His close range effort was denied by goalkeeper Jake Sykes’ great save, meaning Ilkley entered the break with a slender lead.
The Baht’atters sought to control possession quickly in the second half, more so than in the first. Thus, the ball stayed on the ground more and Ilkley could play their usual football. This was evident almost immediately as Smith won a corner with a swerving strike, with Marriott heading on target from the resulting set-piece.
Similarly to the first half, Swallownest still looked to pose a threat offensively; striker Billy Stafford was played through on goal, but Finn Ellis’ brilliant challenge kept Ilkley’s clean sheet intact.
Gonzalez bagged his brace in the 67th minute, giving his side a two-goal cushion and continuing his recent run of form. Captain Harry Brown chipped the ball down the wing for Gonzalez to chase, who cut inside and placed his curling finish into the far corner.
Substitute Joe Snowden almost made an immediate impact, as with his first touch of the game he struck the crossbar with a powerful attempt from Maxim Hague’s pass, then Gonzalez’s headed rebound was saved by the sprawling Sykes.
At the other end of the Swall Siro Stadium, Swallownest had their best spell of the game as injury time loomed. They flooded the Ilkley box with crosses, all of which were met by Ilkley’s centre backs – Parker and Ellis – or goalkeeper Keen.
In the final minute, the hosts attacked once more, but Brown’s well-timed lunge stopped their forward before Nightingale blocked the rebound.
This concluded the match, giving Ilkley the three points and a crucial clean sheet in a physical affair.
Next up, Town host Wakefield AFC on Saturday 31st August in the league, before travelling to Thackley AFC for the Second Round of the League Cup on Tuesday 10th September (kickoff 7:45pm).
Photo Credit: Nigel Owen