Ilkley Town have boosted their hopes of winning the coveted Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup for the first time.

The West Yorkshire Division One side defeated West Riding County Amateur League opponents 2-1 in Saturday’s quarter-finals with goals by James Hannah and Phil Thommesen.

And the 2011 beaten finalists will be fancying their chances following holders Otley Town’s surprise defeat by Harrogate League outsiders Rawdon Old Boys.

The winners for the past three seasons were defeated 2-1. The result came at the end of a week which saw the club withdraw its third team from the Harrogate League.

Town took the lead but Rawdon hit back and eventually won with a late penalty.

The exit of Town at the quarter-final stage has thrown the competition wide open.

Baildon Trinity Athletic went on a goal spree to clinch their place in the last four.

They beat Albert Sports Yeadon 16-1.

Otley Rovers, who beat Addingham to reach the semi-finals last month, are the only team apart from Ilkley Town who have never previously won the competition.

Rawdon Old Boys could be in line for a cup double as their Sunday side are also in the last four of the Wharfedale FA Sunday Cup. They sealed their place with a comfortable 3-1 win over Pool Veterans.

Milford eased into the semi-finals when they defeated Horsforth St Margaret’s by the same score.

Menston Town defeated Yeadon Westfield 3-2 in the outstanding first round tie.

They will be away to Yeadon Veterans on Sunday, December 16 when the remaining quarter-final between Ilkley Dynamo and Otley Town will also be played.

The semi