ON a scorching Saturday afternoon, Ilkley Town AFC overcame a physical Selby Town FC side to continue their good run of form, writes Matthew Lambe.

Luke Baldwin’s lofted finish gave the Baht’atters an early lead before conceding on the stroke of half time; then, another from Baldwin and Josh Parker’s stunner in an improved second half performance ensured the win.

Baldwin continued his goal scoring streak for the Baht’atters after only five minutes, rounding off a well-executed set-piece. A one-two off a short corner left Baldwin with time to shoot but in a tight angle, and the winger’s precise effort floated over the mass of bodies in the box into the top left corner.

Sam Dexter’s side threatened to strike again from a set-piece, with Dan Smith nearly scoring his second free kick of the season. Selby’s vocal goalkeeper, George Bason, was caught off guard by Smith’s decision to shoot rather than cross but recovered just in time to force a corner.

The Baht’atters continued to pepper Selby’s box with opportunities and came agonisingly close to a second. Jay Harris saw his goalbound header blocked, while Baldwin’s long-range effort flashed just wide.

Around the half hour mark, Selby gained a foothold in the game and put pressure on Ilkley’s defence. Harris made a crucial block on Alex Washington’s attempt and Matthew Keen denied Dan Davison from point blank range.

With momentum on their side, the visitors drew level on the stroke of half time. Washington’s direct free kick arrowed into the top right corner, with Keen getting a hand to the ball but unable to palm it wide, leaving the Baht’atters with work to be done in the second half.

In the opening spell of the second half, it was Selby who appeared more likely to take the lead. Davison failed to hit the target with a volley from around the penalty spot, while their forward saw his headed goal ruled out for offside.

Nevertheless, Sam Dexter’s side weathered the storm and attacked in search of a winner. Just after coming on, Lewin Storton played a low cross that beat goalkeeper Bason and found Gonzalez, who blazed his effort over the bar.

Tensions flared approaching the final 15 minutes, as a scuffle unfolded between the dugouts, Selby were twice booked for late challenges and Dan Smith received a sin bin for dissent.

Baldwin restored the Baht’atters’ lead for his second goal of the game, earning Ilkley a slender advantage for the final few minutes. A rapid exchange of passes through the middle of Selby’s defence reached Baldwin, whose initial effort struck the post but – while falling – he converted the rebound.

Within four minutes Ilkley scored again, courtesy of a stunning strike by centre back Parker. He waited outside the box to receive a cleared corner, before his powerful attempt found the top left corner via the inside of the post, sealing the victory for the Baht’atters.

This ensured the Baht’atters left the MPM Stadium with three points to extend their good run of form.

Next up, Town host South Leeds FC on Saturday 17 August at 3pm, before travelling to Shelley on Tuesday 20 August (kickoff 7:45pm).