Match Preview vs Bacup Borough

Sam Dexter’s Ilkley looking to return to winning ways

 

The Baht’atters will be hoping to bounce straight back from last week’s agonising defeat on penalties against Euxton Villa when they face Bacup Borough this weekend at the MPM stadium in the first round of the Macron Cup, writes Evan Seaman. The last result was a tough one to take for Ilkley as they were 2-0 up, courtesy of goals from George Gomersall and Ben Clarkson, with an extra man on the pitch for most of the second half, but it wasn’t to be in the end as they conceded two late goals towards the end of the 90 minutes before losing 1-4 on pens.

 

But in the league, Ilkley fly high in third position so far in the table, after winning three times in their last five games despite this season being only their second ever as a semi-professional side. Surprisingly, Ilkley have been much better on the road than at home so far, compared to last campaign when they managed just two victories as visitors. But they have defied all expectations and are still unbeaten away from home this season after six games. 


Whereas for
 Bacup, they have had a solid yet unremarkable start to the season as they sit ninth in mid-table so far on 14 points so will be looking to kickstart their campaign. 

So, the longest serving NWCFL manager, Brent Peters - who has been in charge of the club for over 25 years - will be expecting a tough game when they travel to the MPM Stadium. However, Ilkley will need to watch out for Bacup’s joint top goal scorers Lewis-Simon Byrne and Toby Wright, who are both currently on seven goals.

 

(Photo Credit: Paul O’Brien)