Ilkley Town ladies 2

Farsley Celtic 1

ILKLEY Town Ladies inflicted a first defeat on league leaders Farsley.

Farsley, who expected an easy win, were surprised by the pace and quality of Ilkley, who dominated the leaders.

Causing all sorts of problems and in a dazzling opening 30 minutes, Ilkley should have been 5-0 up, as there were good chances by Heather Fisher-Pedley, Hannah Spivey and Bethan Smith.

Gemma Croft and Lily Gazenley were outstanding at the back despite Ilkley missing several players.

Farsley had no answer and resorted to deliberate rough house tactics on the speedy Ilkley players, with a number lucky to stay on the pitch.

Ilkley scored through Smith after fine work by Pedley on the left.

More chances came and went and Pedley could have had four on another day as she shot wide and forced keeper to make a good save.

Farsley got a lucky break as hesitation at the back saw a shot trickle in for a 1-1 half time scoreline.

Ilkley dominated the second half and could have three more goals, but for narrow misses.

Pedley was lucky to escape serious injury as a deliberate foul resulted in a free-kick.

Ilkley had several shots before a penalty was awarded for deliberate handball.

Pedley scored and Ilkley ran out 2-1 winners in a game they dominated despite being under strength.

The win moved Ilkley up the table from third bottom to third in the league.