Ilkley come from behind to beat Harrogate Railway

On a cold Friday night, Ilkley produced a good turnaround victory to beat Harrogate Railway which puts them sixth in the table, not far off the playoffs, writes Evan Seaman.

The first half was dire for both teams as there were few chances despite a good turnout of 126, which meant they would have gone into the break goalless if it wasn’t for Alex Ingham’s strike.

Then it was Joe Snowden who equalized for Ilkley Town in the 60th minute after a good passing display from the home team.

For the next 20 minutes, the game was stuck in the middle of play and both sides looked like they didn’t want to get the next goal.

But then striker James Hudson put them ahead in the 82nd minute when he blasted the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

The Baht’tatters finally rounded off the victory when attacking midfielder Alfie Dean dribbled into the penalty area before tucking the ball into the bottom corner.

Ilkley did pick up three bookings during the match, Snowden, Dean and Gonzalez, but this did not stop them from getting the three points at the MPM stadium.

The result means Ilkley are now fifth in the table, whereas Harrogate languish in 12th position, and Ilkley manager Sam Dexter said “I thought we were excellent tonight. I asked the players before the game to demonstrate their work rate and commitment and their endeavor, and they’ve done that. I just thought we were outstanding form the first to the last minute.”

Next up for Ilkley is Horbury Town away who sit ninth in the table so it will undoubtedly be another tough fixture.