Ilkley Town 4 Featherstone Colliery 2

ILKLEY put back-to-back cup defeats behind them after pulling off an impressive win over Featherstone in the West Riding County FA Challenge Cup at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

Featherstone took the lead after six minutes when the Ilkley defence failed to clear a corner, allowing Kyle Pearson to smash the ball in.

Ilkley responded by putting heavy pressure on the visitors and equalised after 30 minutes when a fantastic strike from Toby Harris arrowed into the corner of the net.

Following more attacks from Ilkley, Featherstone were thankful to make it into the break level. The second half started as the first ended with the home side on the front foot.

Town's persistence eventually paid off, as Joe Garside's cross found Adam Davey, whose header looped over keeper Ryan Smith to make it 2-1.

Two minutes later it was 3-1, as Robin Layton found the net from range, before Harris grabbed his second with a classy chip over Smith.

Featherstone grabbed a late consolation goal through James Dunn, but Ilkley held on for the 4-2 victory, booking their place in the next round where they face an away tie against Uppermill FC.

Harris was delighted with his and Ilkley's overall performance. He said: "I'm very happy with my two goals. I'll take it, calling my first goal a screamer. I don't normally hit them like that so I will be talking about that one in training!"

"I think it became obvious we are the Premier Division side in the second half because we were a lot fitter than them, and that really showed."