2.30pm 18 May 2013
West Yorkshire League, Division One
Ilkley Town 1 Hunslet Club 2 (att 48)
I recently saw Hunslet surprisingly held to a draw at home by Old Headingley, one of several drawn games that had hindered them in their quest to win the West Yorkshire League's second tier.
Today was their final league game of the season, and they knew that only three points at Ilkley Town would be enough to leapfrog Shelley, who'd completed their fixtures, to claim the title.
In keeping with their recent form, Hunslet did it the hard way, coming from behind after conceding a first half penalty. Their two second half goals, the winner with 15 minutes left, were greeted with understandable joy by their supporters, who made up more than half the crowd.
Ilkley had nothing to play for, but couldn't be faulted for the effort and determination, which helped make it absorbing, and good quality, game to watch.
Ilkley's home is the Ben Rhydding Sports Club, on the eastern edge of the town. Facilities are sparse, surprisingly for the West Yorkshire League, with the pitch just partly roped off. But pitch railings and functional identikit stands don't determine how enjoyable or worthwhile a club is to visit, and an immaculate pitch, decent game and a great view of the looming Ilkley Moor ensured this was a Saturday afternoon well spent.
West Yorkshire League, Division One
Ilkley Town 1 Hunslet Club 2 (att 48)
I recently saw Hunslet surprisingly held to a draw at home by Old Headingley, one of several drawn games that had hindered them in their quest to win the West Yorkshire League's second tier.
Today was their final league game of the season, and they knew that only three points at Ilkley Town would be enough to leapfrog Shelley, who'd completed their fixtures, to claim the title.
In keeping with their recent form, Hunslet did it the hard way, coming from behind after conceding a first half penalty. Their two second half goals, the winner with 15 minutes left, were greeted with understandable joy by their supporters, who made up more than half the crowd.
Ilkley had nothing to play for, but couldn't be faulted for the effort and determination, which helped make it absorbing, and good quality, game to watch.
Ilkley's home is the Ben Rhydding Sports Club, on the eastern edge of the town. Facilities are sparse, surprisingly for the West Yorkshire League, with the pitch just partly roped off. But pitch railings and functional identikit stands don't determine how enjoyable or worthwhile a club is to visit, and an immaculate pitch, decent game and a great view of the looming Ilkley Moor ensured this was a Saturday afternoon well spent.
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