Ilkley Outmuscled by Wombwell in Game of Throw-Ins
Wombwell Town 4-1 Ilkley Town AFC
In the first away fixture of the Northern Counties East League (NCEL), Ilkley Town AFC fell to a 4-1 defeat against an organised Wombwell Town side, writes Matt Lambe.
The Baht’atters were immediately on the back foot after conceding twice in the opening quarter before Dan Smith’s free kick halved the deficit, but two further goals ensured the hosts took the three points.
The hosts registered an early lead through a lethal long throw-in. After another long throw had been turned over a minute earlier, Wombwell’s Gavin Allot poked home from close range following Owen Sykes’ set-piece.
Allot doubled his tally barely five minutes later, giving Ilkley a mountain to climb in the remaining 75 minutes. He rose above the defence to head into the top corner, with his effort ricocheting off the crossbar.
Wombwell continued to pile the pressure on the Baht’atters, and Allot had almost bagged a hat-trick but was denied by Matthew Keen’s one handed save.
Sam Dexter’s side responded promisingly after the early onslaught, with winger Dan Smith bringing hope to Ilkley fans with an excellent free kick. After skipper Harry Brown was fouled around 25 yards out, Smith curled the subsequent set-piece into the top left corner, marginally beyond the reach of the goalkeeper’s flailing hand.
Spurred on by Smith’s stunner, the Baht’atters looked to add some stability to an otherwise scrappy opening spell. Ilkley began to possess a larger share of the ball and played on the floor instead of conforming to Wombwell’s direct style.
Nevertheless, a long throw was once again the root of Town’s despair, as Wombwell restored their two-goal cushion through the partnership of Sykes’ set-piece and Allot’s finish. Ilkley defended the initial delivery but were unable to clear, allowing Allot to score past a crowded six-yard box – leaving the visitors with work to be done in the second half.
Dexter made two half-time substitutions, bringing James Nightingale and George Pearson on for Arlo Buller and Thierry Hendrickson, before replacing Joel Barker with Lewin Storton around the hour mark.
Ilkley entered the second 45 in a more composed fashion than the first, culminating in more possession and opportunities. Smith saw his half volley stopped by Preston, while Toby Marriott’s close range effort flashed just wide.
However, just like the first half, the game turned scrappy. This played into the hands of the more experienced Wombwell side, and they added a fourth in the 67th minute – from another of Sykes’ long throws, which this time was deflected in for an own goal.
For the remainder of the game, the Baht’atters looked to attack and beat Wombwell’s defence with short passes, but the hosts dealt with Ilkley’s efforts, leaving the final score at 4-1.
Looking to the future, Town travel to Nostell Miners Welfare on Saturday 3 August, before welcoming Swallownest FC to the MPM Stadium in the League Cup on Tuesday 6 August (8pm kickoff).
Photo credit: Nigel Owen