HOLDERS Ilkley Town survived a rousing tussle with Route One Rovers to reach the Wharfedale & District FA Cup final for the fourth successive season.

They eventually won the tie 4-2 in extra time but they had come within four minutes of bowing out to their battling opponents.

Their opponents had twice taken the lead with goals from Hassan Ali and Umar Farooq and were only denied victory by a stunning 86th minute goal from Henderson. He curled a shot into the net after a break down the left.

Substitute Adam Davey proved to be the Ilkley match winner with two goals in extra time to finally break Route One's brave resistance.

There was little hint of the drama that was in store when Ali netted with a free header in the tenth minute.

Ilkley equalised two minutes later when skipper Danny Bott stepped up to equalise from a free kick that was struck with precision and power.

Route One stunned their hosts for the second time when Farooq seized on a defensive error and finished impressively.

Ilkley didn't get started in the second half and were lucky not to concede a penalty. James Hirst appeared to have brought down a player in the area. An assistant flagged for the offence but the referee let play go on.

It was a crucial let off and Ilkley made the most of their luck when first Henderson, and then Davey, twice, struck to get them to another final where they will be seeking to lift the trophy for the third time.

Their next match on January 2 will be a West Riding County Cup tie away to Yeadon/Ventus

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Ilkley now go into their fourth consecutive Wharfedale district cup final and have the opportunity to retain the trophy they won last season. A festive break will be followed with a round of 16 match in the West Riding Challenge Cup away at Ventus/Yeadon Celtic.