North West Counties League First Division North
Sam Dexter is thrilled to see the strides all sections at Ilkley Town are making.
Ilkley are flying in the North West Counties – sitting third in the table – whilst the women’s team and other aspects of the club are enjoying success as well.
“Sometimes you forget where you have come from,” Dexter told Non League Yorkshire.
“A lot of the time we are focussed on the here and now and the matches and the training.
“When you do take a step back and look at the overall picture it is really pleasing.
“But whilst it is pleasing, it counts for nothing if we don’t go on and finish higher than we did last year or make a big dent in what we did last year.
“I think last year was a major achievement.
“We want to improve this year and we’re on course for that.
“Looking at the wider picture at the club, the women are doing fantastic.
“They are towards the top of their league.
“The club is thriving and it goes down to the hard work of a lot of people.
“The club is pulling in one direction and long may that continue.”
Ilkley have not even been a Non League club for two years.
Last season they were rooted in a relegation battle.
Now they’ve already almost reached half of their points total from last season.
There’s the temptation to get excited – not Dexter, he’s remaining level-headed.
“It is far too early for making bold predictions,” he said.
“We’re far from getting carried away with ourselves.
“We’re enjoying playing well and we’re enjoying playing against the teams we are and we’re enjoying training and the feet are firmly on the ground.
“Let’s see where we are at Christmas and then you might have an idea of what fight you are in.
“A lot can happen – injuries and suspensions.
“We’re literally taking each game as it comes and we’re still setting weekly/monthly targets.
“We have two cup games now so it gives a little bit of respite.
“You could argue the cup games have come at a wrong time because we are in a really good run of form.
“Fingers crossed we can carry on the good form after the cup games.”
Ilkley host Euxton Villa in the Edward Case Cup this afternoon – fresh from last Saturday’s 4-0 win at South Liverpool.
“I wouldn’t go as far as saying the score-line flattered us but I think in this league it is apparent that the score-line doesn’t suggest how close the games are,” he said.
“Full credit to South Liverpool.
“It was 1-0 at half-time and we managed to score just before half-time.
“In the next ten minutes after half-time they had a real good go and created three really good chances.
“Our goalkeeper has saved one, they hit the post and a lad put one wide from six yards.
“After half-time you would probably argue that they deserved to be level.
“Luck was on our side.
“We made three subs and they made an impact immediately.
“George Gomersall got an assist and then Josh Bowers managed to score twice.”
“We’re happy with it but 4-0 doesn’t suggest how close it was.”