Report by: Evan Seaman

ILKLEY Town pulled off the unthinkable on Monday evening after coming from behind to seal an incredible 4-3 victory at the expense of Route One Rovers.

For much of the game the Baht ‘atters struggled to threaten the home side’s defence and failed to have a shot until the second half, however the game turned on its head in the closing minutes of the contest.

There was early panic for Town as Route One Rovers nearly went through on goal, but keeper Jordan Moorhouse came out to collect the ball to the relief of Ilkley’s backline.

However, their resilience was broken shortly after with Anees Younis burst past Nicholas Brayshaw before tucking the ball into the bottom corner to open the scoring for the hosts.

For the rest of the first half, Ilkley really struggled to keep hold of the ball and looked second best for much of the half, so a half time break to recharge batteries was much needed.

It did not take Sam Dexter’s side long to get back on level terms after the interval when Takuo Jitsukawa got on the end of a long throw-in before heading it in from close range to make the score 1-1.

But the game took another twist when Route One Rovers grabbed two goals in very quick succession, courtesy of Callan Parker-Wells and Zakariya Khan and the crowd erupted in the Varley Boilers stand.

Until the 85th minute, Ilkley looked like they were heading for their first defeat of the campaign. However, Ilkley’s Nicc Hewitt had other ideas as he picked up the ball on the edge of the box following a corner before curling it into the top corner to give them a glimmer of hope.

Then deep into stoppage time, in what can only be described as a bonanza, Nathan Hunt hit a very late brace to give Ilkley a massive three points as they kept their unbeaten streak going for another game.

It certainly took a whole new meaning to the phrase “leaving it late”, but Sam Dexter and his team will definitely take pride in their victory, while their fightback highlights the character in their squad.

After the contest, Ilkley Town manager Sam Dexter, said: “There is certainly never a dull moment with us. We were far from our best tonight and there is still work to be done, but we must give a lot of credit to Route One Rovers.

“I am so proud of our players. They just don’t know when they are beaten, and they somehow find a way. Thanks to those who supported tonight:”

The games are now coming thick and fast though as Ilkley are back at the MPM Stadium on Saturday when they host Atherton LR which will be another tricky test for them.