Hard Fought Point in First Home Match Under New Manager Mistry
Ilkley Town 3–3 Doncaster City
Ilkley Town earned a hard-fought point in a dramatic 3–3 draw against Doncaster City, in what was new manager Jacob Mistry’s first home game in charge. Both sides came into the match level on points, and the intensity reflected that from the very first whistle.
It was a new-look Ilkley side, with several returning first-team players reintroduced, alongside multiple new signings. Notably, new club captain Mark Hoban, who arrived this week from Steeton, made his debut, as did Callan Parker-Wells from Campion.
The game started at a frantic pace as Ilkley looked to implement Mistry’s new style early. Despite Doncaster creating the clearer early chances, vice-captain Matty Keen was in outstanding form between the sticks, producing several key saves.
Ilkley threatened at the other end too, particularly through their pace on the break, led by front man Joe Snowden and wingers 17-year-old Harry Miles and new signing Eddy Prata.
The breakthrough came midway through the half when Mark Hoban marked his debut with a goal, slotting home from a well-rehearsed training-ground corner routine. However, Ilkley were unable to see the half out, as Doncaster’s Billy Grimshaw levelled with five minutes remaining.
The second half continued with the same intensity. A defensive mistake gifted Doncaster the chance to take the lead, and Ben Dyer made no mistake to put the visitors ahead.
Ilkley responded quickly, with pressure down the right forcing Doncaster defender Sanchez Payne to turn the ball into his own net for 2–2.
With ten minutes to go, Ilkley produced their best move of the match. Excellent link-up play between Callan Parker-Wells and Eddy Prata created the opening for substitute Jonas Ndombasi, who arrived at the back post to tap home and restore Ilkley’s lead.
But the visitors struck a late blow. With just one minute left on the clock, Ben Dyer rose at the back post to head home his second and deny Ilkley all three points.
Manager Jacob Mistry said:
“It was disappointing not to get the three points because of the late goal, but in truth we probably would’ve taken the result at half-time — Doncaster were on top early on.
“We’re still a team that hasn’t played together. A few of the lads hadn’t even met before today, so we’re a work in progress. But it’s clear we have the attacking quality and the threat to score goals.
“We just need to keep working on the other side of the game, which will come with more time on the training pitch. Overall, it’s a positive result and a point to build on.”