West Yorkshire League/Cup: Premier Division big guns safely through to second round of cup

Cup Thriller: Aberford Albions Stefan Small, left, who scored the winning penalty and goalkeeper Anthony Haywood who saved two in the shootout against Rawdon OB in the West Yorkshire League Cup. The tie finished 3-3 with Albion eventually prevailing 9-8 on penalties. PIC: Steve Riding

Ilkley Town are pleased with their progress following arguably the most difficult run of games in the club's history as a Premier Division side.

After facing all of the other top seven sides in their last seven games, Ilkley sit 4th in the table with 22 points after their 2-0 win at Horbury Town at the weekend.

Manager Simon Armstrong said: “It’s the first time we have experienced something like this, but what it demonstrates is how competitive the league is now with six or seven teams all going for the title, where previously it has been three of four.

“But if you want to break into the top places in the Premier Division, you have to be ready for this kind of challenge.

Craig Nicholls, of Rawdon, has his shot blocked by Aberford's Jack Diamond. PIC: Steve Riding

“No two games have been the same, but I think we have played well in different ways in each game.

“It’s a case of learning from these experiences. We play very differently on the 3G at Ilkley compared to how we play at Horbury or Beeston, for example.

“You have to develop your strategy of when you can play and how, the next step then being consistent in terms of how you prepare and perform so we can compete with the top teams.”

Ilkley’s only fixture against a side outside of the title chasing pack came at home to Wyke and ended in a 4-2 defeat, serving as an example for Armstrong of what happens when you don’t bring you’re a-game.

Aiden Barry scores for Rawdon OB to make the score level with Aberford, 3-3. PIC: Steve Riding

“We look forward to playing every week because we want to play our way, and what the Wyke defeat taught us very harshly is that in this league you do get punished” he said.

“We paid a heavy price for not turning up and credit to Wyke, they took the three points.

“All that demonstrates is that there’s not a big difference between the top and bottom of the league, and what matters is how you play on the day and if you are consistent.”

With Ilkley and Horbury the only Premier Division sides in league action, all eyes turned to Division One.

With Boroughbridge in cup action, Hall Green United returned to the top after their 4-3 win at East End Park.

Liam Clark scored twice for East End with Danny Maw also on target, but Sean Jesson’s 66th-minute strike and three goals in seven minutes through Tom Fowler’s double and Zaid Amaan secured the 4-3 victory.

Hartshead are now six points off the top of Division One after they suffered a heavy 4-1 home defeat to Otley Town, while Howden Clough’s struggles continued after their 3-0 loss to Pool.

Clough have now slipped to the bottom of the table after Wetherby Athletic produced three second-half goals to defeat Featherstone Colliery 4-1.

Campion Reserves are now only one point off the Division Two summit following their 4-1 win at Hunsworth.

Swillington Saints also closed their gap to the leaders to four points with a 5-2 triumph at Tingley Athletic.

Knaresborough Celtic remain bottom after their 3-1 defeat at Kellingley Welfare, while Ripon City rose to 6th with their 4-3 win at Altofts.