Ilkley Town 3 Thornhill 3

ILKLEY and Thornhill featured in a six-goal thriller for the second time this season at Ben Rhydding on Saturday.

Ilkley started really well and found the slick surface was suited to their passing game.

Adam Fowler squandered a good chance in only the second minute. He shot wide of the goal after being out clear of the defence with only the keeper to beat.

Connor Greenwood was crowded out after a good break before Thornhill stunned their hosts.

They took the lead in the 36th minute when Andy Bloom deflected a cross into his own net as goalkeeper James Hirst came to claim the ball.

Thornhill doubled their lead three minutes later from a corner. The initial danger was cleared to the edge of the area where the Thornhill centre midfielder struck the ball into the turf and it bounced over the despairing Hirst.

The second half started much like the first, the difference this time being Ilkley got the goal they deserved and a route back into the match.

The ball was played up to Fowler on the edge of the penalty area. He controlled it on his chest before volleying a shot into the bottom corner.

Ilkley were in the ascendancy and deservedly equalised in the 65th minute. Darren Munday struck it towards goal and a deflection deceived the stranded goalkeeper.

The comeback appeared to be complete in the 75th minute. A corner caused difficulties for the Thornhill defence and Munday, with the help of another deflection, netted his second goal.

Ilkley had 15 minutes to hold on for deserved win. Unfortunately a rash challenge from Danny Bott saw a penalty awarded.

The Thornhill centre midfielder coolly dispatched it into the corner to make it 3-3.

Ilkley showed great character to pull back from 2-0 down but they were disappointed not to close out the victory.

James Wilson was the outstanding player for Ilkley.