ILKLEY Town started 2019 with a win when they beat Headingley 1-0 at Ben Rhydding Sports Club on Saturday.

In their first meeting of the season, the two teams played out a somewhat scrappy affair as both sides looked to find their touch and form after the Christmas break.

Town had the better of the first half, moved the ball reasonably well and found themselves in front after 15 minutes.

Tom Fleming worked the ball to Toby Harris outside the penalty area. Toby turned, found a half yard and struck a low shot which cannoned in off the post to make it 1-0.

From here Town looked the most likely to double their lead when Harris went clean through and was one-on-one with the keeper, who made a fine save.

Soon after, a corner swung in by Joe Garside found its way to the back post for Joe Hendrie to strike a half volley into the bottom corner, only for the referee to disallow it for an infringement.

Headingley carried a threat and created a couple of half chances, but a better quality pass or a better decision could have posed Town some problems.

The second half was poor as a spectacle and although Headingley shaded it they did not test Tim Edney in the Town goal.

Town were sloppy and turned the ball over far too much. Despite this, they created two or three opportunities to extend their lead but a poor pass or decision proved costly.

In the end, Town had to grind out the win on a day when they felt they could have done a lot better.

This Saturday Town travel to Rawdon for a local derby.