Ilkley Town 2 Kippax 1

DESPITE Friday night snow the pitch at Ben Rhydding was in fine condition and the game went ahead, one of only two in Division One to be played on Saturday as the others fell foul of the weather.

Kippax came to play a 'safe' game as they were quick to regain their shape and drop deep whenever losing possession of the ball. When in possession they would aim for their big, strong centre forward and look to play off him at pace.

In contrast, Ilkley were either far too slow in possession or lacked quality in their decision making and passing. As a consequence the game was played at a slow pace, with very little goalmouth action. Even during the early stages it looked to be heading towards a dour 0-0 stalemate.

Higher energy and intensity levels were asked for at half-time, but it was the opposition who got off to a flier! Within two minutes of the re-start Kippax were ahead.

The ball was lost in midfield and played forward. A couple of fortunate deflections took it into the path of a Kippax player who got beyond the back four and slotted past James Hirst to make it 1-0.

This seemed to energise the home team, although their play still lacked the necessary quality to trouble their opponents. It wasn't until the 60th minute that Ilkley showed their first true moment of quality.

Man of the Match Danny Bott won the ball and released Jack Murray on the left. He beat the full back with his raw pace, before cutting across and then firing a low cross into the near post where Connor Greenwood, who had made an excellent run across and in front of his man, swept the ball into the net to equalise.

The game, still by no means a Christmas cracker, now opened up a little more as both teams attempted to up the tempo but neither had sufficient quality to create a clear cut opportunity.

In fact it wasn't until the 80th minute that Ilkley produced another moment of quality. Adam Fowler, who had been having a quiet game, worked hard to dispossess a Kippax player before advancing with the ball and firing a low 25-yard drive into the net.

Kippax now started to push and Murray found space to beat four men before beating the last man who literally took him out just outside the penalty area.

The referee decided to show some Christmas cheer and only brandished a yellow card.