REPORT BY: EVAN SEAMAN

ILKLEY Town managed an impressive come-from-behind victory against Route One Rovers on Saturday as a second half brace from Kevin Gonzalez gave them the three points.

The result sees the Baht’atters move up to 9th in the league table and three points off the play-off places, with Holker Old Boys occupying the final spot.

The hosts had the first chance of the match through Gonzalez, who found space inside the box before hitting a venomous shot towards goal, but it was parried away by keeper John Paul Raynard.

However, just after the half an hour mark Route One opened the scoring when they caught The Baht’atters on the counter.

Just before the break, Route One were dominating and had chances to double their lead but Ilkley stood firm to stay in the game for the second half.

This proved to be vital for them because shortly after the break, striker Gonzalez equalized for them as he tucked the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

About ten minutes after Ilkley’s first goal, Gonzalez got his second of the game when he chipped the keeper to put them in front for the first time in the match.

Towards the end of the contest, things got nervy for the hosts as they looked to hold onto their slender lead, but they fought valiantly to secure all three points.

The result means Ilkley have got their first victory since last October, which will surely lift the players’ confidence.

Looking ahead, Ilkley do not have a fixture this weekend but the week after they host Garstang FC so they will be hoping to keep the momentum going.