ILKLEY Town came agonisingly close to pulling off a cup upset on Tuesday night.
They travelled to higher-tier Thackley in the Northern Counties East League League Cup second round to play their first game since August 31 and lost 3-2.
But the scoreline only tells half of the story, as Town had their goalkeeper Matthew Keen sent off while the game was still goalless, meaning star forward Kevin Gonzalez had to go in goal for the rest of the match.
They then fell 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go, before rallying with two goals in a minute to equalise.
But Thackley had the last word, as a winner for the hosts at the death sent Sam Dexter's side out of the cup.
Ilkley started brightly, with early chances falling the way of Luke Baldwin and Gonzalez, but Thackley grew stronger as the half wore in and looked likeliest to go in front.
The game was still goalless heading into first-half stoppage-time when Thackley striker Ben Grech-Brooksbank was brought down by Keen, who caught him late with a tackle just outside of the box.
The referee had little option but to show the red card, meaning Gonzalez had to go in between the sticks for Town.
The subsequent free-kick flashed inches wide, and Thackley took the lead early in the second half when Tawheed Ahmed lobbed the stranded Gonzalez, before Baldwin had a strong penalty appeal turned down at the other end.
Ben Bodle doubled Thackley's lead with a strike into the bottom corner, but then the fightback took place.
Full back Lewis Storton blasted home at the near post after beating the home offside trap, before substitute Alfie Dean drove past his man and nutmegged keeper Luke Wilson to make the score 2-2.
Gonzalez then made a couple of great saves, while Joe Snowden almost volleyed Ilkley in front.
But Grech-Brooksbank had the last word, scoring Thackley's winner deep into added time by keeping his cool in a one-on-one with Gonzalez.
Ilkley must pick themselves up now for their NCEL Division One game at home to slow-starting Worsbrough Bridge Athletic this Saturday.
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