Thornhill 4 Ilkley Town 2

ILKLEY faced newly-promoted Thornhill on Saturday, with a chance of maintaining third position and getting within three points of their opponents with games in hand. Sadly, it turned into an afternoon they will want to forget.

Town started the game well, moving the ball round and finding plenty of space in the midfield.

In the fifth minute it seemed as though Darren Munday had dealt with the danger, but gave possession away cheaply to Thornhill’s Lee Brook who dribbled unchallenged into the area, hitting a weak deflected shot past Alex Wormall.

Ilkley continued to pass the ball around despite the early setback.while Thornhill looked for the long ball in behind for their strong and pacy front and wide men.

Their method proved effective as they doubled their lead in the 30th minute as winger Anees Younis nipped in between Ben Dexter and James Wilson to score.

Things got worse for Ilkley two minutes later as three missed tackles led to a goal for Younis.

Shortly after the interval the game was effectively over as Ilkley lost possession in the midfield and Thornhill hit a long diagonal pass over Dexter. Younis sprinted into the penalty area before completing his hat-trick.

Thankfully, Ilkley started to show some character as they looked to find a way back.

In the 55th minute Ilkley worked the ball well down the right for Dexter to deliver. Thornhill failed to clear and Gareth Pickup set up the chance for Adam Fowler to score.

A number of opportunities came and went, but it wasn’t until the 75th minute that Ilkley earned their reward.

A corner kick was delivered into the penalty area and Thornhill again failed to deal with the danger. Isaac Crown played the ball back to Danny Bott who took a touch out of his feet and struck a shot into the roof of the net.

Ilkley now looked revitalised and there was a feeling they might still steal a result.

Unfortunately they couldn’t find another to make it really interesting and Thornhill were left to celebrate victory.