FOLLOWING on from an exhilarating 2022/23 season in which Ilkley Town AFC reached the playoff semi-finals, the club will be preparing for the upcoming campaign with a number of pre-season friendlies in July.

On the July 1 Ilkley Town will kick off their 2023/24 preparations when they host Nostell Miners Welfare, a side who are currently in North Counties East League Division One.

Ilkley’s next opponent is a local rivalry against Silsden AFC on the July 4. Silsden finished 11th in the NCEL Premier Division so it will undoubtedly be a difficult game for The Bah’tatters.

Then Ilkley will host Thackley on July 8 before facing off Knaresborough Town on July 11.

On July 18 Horbury Town will make the short trip to the MPM Stadium. Horbury will still be buzzing from a successful campaign as they finished 6th in the NCEL Division One, ultimately losing the playoff final to Rossington Main.

Ilkley’s final friendly will be at home to Garforth Town on July 22. Garforth will arguably be the toughest test of them all because last season they were pushing for promotion to the Northern Premier League Division East.

Garforth ultimately fell short in the end as they finished the season in 4th place but will be more determined than ever to go one better next time.