Ilkley Hoping To End Patchy Run of Form
The Baht’atters will be aiming to get their season back on track following on from a difficult last few games when they host promotion chasing Chadderton this weekend, writes Evan Seaman.
Recent form
Ilkley have only won once in their last six games since the remarkable comeback victory against league leaders Pilkington, so Sam Dexter will be looking to get his side playing the way they were a few weeks ago.
The goals have also dried up for Ilkley in that time, scoring just six times as they have struggled at times to break teams down recently when they have played defensively.
Reason for optimism
But there is still reason for optimism, because in their last game against Garstang they were highly unlucky to come away with just a point as the opposition’s goalkeeper pulled of two outstanding saves from the penalty spot.
Ilkley were also unfortunate to lose to Pilkington after taking the lead at the start of the game as they dominated possession for large parts of the match. And Chadderton will likely go toe-to-toe with the Baht’atters as they are chasing promotion so that could potentially work in Ilkley’s favour.
Reverse fixture
In the reverse fixture, on the 14th of February 2023, Chadderton narrowly defeated Ilkley by one goal to nil so Sam Dexter’s side will be out looking to reverse fortunes.
Opposition
Whereas for Chadderton, they are looking to overtake Pilkington at the top of the table as they are currently just one point behind them.
They are in dangerous form at the moment, winning five from their last six games and have conceded just one goal in that time.
Key players
The key man for Ilkley this Saturday could be the talented young attacking midfielder Alfie Dean who has burst onto the scene from the academy and has already managed two goals and five man of the match awards so far.
Meanwhile, the Oldham-based outfit will be hoping Adam Dale can continue his good goal scoring form as he has scored 21 in 27 games for them so far and counting.