Illkey Town are celebrating winning the Wharfedale & District FA Challenge Cup for the first time.

They defeated Otley Rovers 4-0 in Monday night’s final at Guiseley’s Nether- moor ground.

Manager Dave Houlston described the win as “a great reward for the many people who have got this club where it is today.”

And he was thrilled that one of the key figures in the West Yorkshire Division One club’s success was somebody who has played all of his football at the club, skipper Andy Bloom.

The 33-year-old scored his side’s third goal with a stunning strike and Houl- ston said: “I am really delighted for Andy that he should score a goal and be the man lifting the cup.

“He has played all his senior football for the club over the past14 years, and before that he came through the various junior sides.

“Bringing our own players through is something we are proud of as we try to establish ourselves on the football pyramid.

“Many of our first team players started out as juniors with us and have stayed with us.”

Houlston hopes that the cup win will be a catalyst towards his club becoming a successful part of the Ilkley sporting scene over the coming years.

Town already have funding to enclose their pitch at Ben Rhydding and are now looking at securing the finances to develop additional changing facil- ities.

Houlston added: “We would like to put Ilkley on the map for football. We have heard a lot about the rugby and hockey clubs and I feel it would be good if we can build on our success.

“This cup win is important in bringing recognition.”