ILKLEY Town made it two wins out of two in pre-season as they upset the odds to beat Step Six side Steeton 1-0 at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

Straight from the whistle, the game was end-to-end with each team going all out to try score until the drinks break came.

Clear cut chances were now beginning to form, and none were closer than Tom Smith’s short range attempt. Ilkley’s number 9 found himself barely six yards out on the end of a low cross, but the visitor’s keeper spread himself wide to deny the goal bound effort.

Frustrated after not scoring, the hosts continued to pile on the pressure, with a string of close opportunities. A threaded through ball from James Nightingale was almost tucked away by Harry Brown. The midfielder's shot was only inches wide of the target.

It was the visitors who started the second half with more energy and purpose, capitalising on Ilkley’s mistakes. This was evident when a stray pass from an Ilkley throw was intercepted by a Steeton midfielder. Roy Mason's side then pressed forward and subsequently found themselves one on one with substitute goalkeeper Dan Bramham. The stopper instinctively dived down low to prevent being rounded by the oncoming attacker.

This was shortly followed by another great chance for Steeton. Their winger should have scored as he bared on goal, but his scooped effort fell just wide of the near post. Barely moments later, a 20-yard shot from the away side smacked against the crossbar.

After surviving the immense pressure, Town set about regaining a foothold. In the 79th-minute, Simon Armstrong’s men were rewarded for their efforts with a goal.

Brown picked out Joe Garside on the wing, who dribbled to the byline before sending in a well-timed, low cross towards the path of Smith. His neatly slotted shot gave the hosts the lead.

In the final moments of the game, Steeton showed great determination in trying to overturn the one goal deficit, and had a couple of very close attempts.

However, Ilkley clung on to their advantage and registered a second consecutive victory.

Matthew Lambe