ILKLEY will face a stern test of their promotion credential when they visit Percy Park on Saturday.

The two sides go into battle level on points but the Newcastle side hold second-place in North East One by virtue of a superior points difference.

Ilkley coach Rhys Morgan has been delighted with the way his side have reeled off three straight wins over leaders Sheffield, Rochdale and West Hartlepool since the Christmas break.

He said: “This will be a tough game. They are a strong side and they will be out to avenge the defeat they suffered at Stacks Field earlier in the season.

“It is a chance for us to show what we are about. If we want to win promotion then these are the games we have to be up for.”

Morgan has been delighted with the way his pack has been performing and he has special praise for club stalwart Jon Hutchinson and Josh Cockerham.

The two front row forwards have stepped up to the challenge of playing at a higher level after last year’s promotion.

Hutchinson has featured at both prop and hooker while Cockerham has fought back from the neck injury which sidelined him last season, to play his part in the team’s success.

“Hutch was here before I arrived at the club. Over the past four years he has worked hard to improve his tackling, physicality and ball skills.

“We have had the off cross word from time to time, but Hutch always comes back with the right response on the field. He deserves his place in the team and he is the life blood of the club,” said Morgan.

Cockerham’s determination to fight back from injury has delighted Morgan. “He was a little short of confidence when he first came back, but he had a short spell out of the side and came back with some outstanding performances.

“I am really pleased for him and it has given us added strength in the front row department where fellow props Tom Baxter and John Cooksey have also been going well.”