Ilkley Dynamo 3, Keighley Town 4

A COMEBACK in the dying minutes was not enough for Dynamo to salvage anything from an eventful Wharfedale Triangle League game.

The teams had met earlier in the season, with Dynamo winning by the odd goal, but on this occasion the result was reversed.

Despite Keighley never being particularly fluent in the initial exchanges, Leroy Hickman scored first for the visitors after both teams had missed good early opportunities.

Just as Dynamo began to threaten, Keighley doubled their lead after getting behind their defence for a simple finish.

However, important contributions from Craig Bentham and Ben Cater – both of whom had the determination and desire to inject some urgency – helped as the Ilkley team pushed forward with more inventiveness and quick thinking.

An excellent cross from Danny Henderson resulted in a splendid headed goal from Phil Thommesen to put Dynamo back in it at 2-1.

Although the home side tried to lift their game, the normal flamboyant style was restricted and they were outgunned by Keighley.

Leon Smith and Sean Hepworth added two more goals to make it 4-1 and give Dynamo an uphill task.

Tackles flew in and a player from each side was subsequently dismissed.

Dynamo then produced a fresh vibrancy, coupled with more directness and dynamism.

A commendable commitment from the whole team, with Danny Bott a particular source of inspiration, helped with a late surge.

An outstanding performance from Thommesen was rewarded when he hit home his second goal of the game, quickly followed by a low drive by Tom Higman to leave the visitors wobbling.

But a late rally in trying to reduce a three-goal deficit had proved to be just too much for Dynamo, who had been severely punished for being slow out of the blocks in the early stages of the game.

This weekend Dynamo travel to play Feathers AFC at Mytholmroyd in the second round of the West Riding County FA Sunday Cup.