Match Preview vs Cleator Moor Celtic
Ilkley Town AFC host Cleator Moor Celtic at the MPM Stadium this Saturday as they try to pick up what would be their first win in five games, writes Evan Seaman.
Recent form
The Baht’atters’ form has dipped a bit lately, and as they did not play last weekend due to heavy snow, the team might have a bit of rustiness to shake off.
However, they can quickly put the recent struggles behind them with a victory against Cleator Moor - which would go a long way to rectify the recent form.
Reverse fixture
On the 5th November 2022, Ilkley beat Cleator Moor by four goals to two at McGrath Park thanks to a hat-trick from Tom Smith, with Kevin Gonzalez also chipping in with a goal after the Cumbrian outfit took an early lead.
So, The Baht’atters have an opportunity to do the double over them this Saturday.
Opposition
But it won’t be an easy fixture because Brian Dawson side have just come off the back off an impressive 4-0 away win against Daisy Hill so could spring a surprise if Ilkley aren’t careful.
Key players
However, Ilkley still need to watch out for Cleator Moor’s Connor Hammell if they are to get a result on Saturday, who is in lethal form for them at the moment as he has picked up six MOTM awards so far this campaign.
Whereas for the Baht’atters, they might be looking to goalkeeper Charlie Bell to keep out the goals this week as he has been in good form since joining last summer, keeping five clean sheets in 17 games.
(Photo Credit: Paul O’Brien)