FC RIASA 0 Ilkley Town 6
Ilkley Town gave a dominant performance as they hit a FC RIASA side struggling for form and confidence for six in their Division One clash..
With absences in midfield, Daz Munday, Tom Rennolds and James Hanna formed a new-look central trio, with mark Houlston slotting in at right back.
The early exchanges were scrappy to say the least, with Ilkley failing to act on some promising early possession.
Suddenly out of nowhere a neat move down the right found Rennolds in space. His pull back to the edge of the box was thumped home on the half volley by Phil Thommesen to make it 1-0.
For the next 20 minutes Ilkley pressed, but were restricted to long-range efforts, with many wild attempts sailing over the bar.
In particular Munday’s volleys from 30 yards which not only cleared the crossbar,but also went across the road and over the local college fence.
With 15 minutes of the first half remaining, Munday's interception and first-time through ball found Adam Davey, who rounded the keeper and smashed the ball into the gaping goal.
A third soon followed with a deft finish from Rennolds as Ilkley took a comfortable lead into the break.
Some reshuffling from coach Frank Carter during the interval revitalised Ilkley who started passing with some purpose in the second half, with Sam Dexter and Andy Bloom dictating the tempo from the back.
A delightful chip from Danny Henderson made it 4-0 and Davey completed his hat-trick with a bullet header and composed finish from close range to make it 6-0 to the visitors.
Davey could have added to his goal tally but for some wasteful finishing. In one instance a shot he connected with too well went so far over the goal a voice from the crowd quipped “that ball came down with snow on. “ This was an important three points for Ilkley who should be considered gen uine promotion contend- ers this season.
They are currently fourth in the league and just three points off top spot.
Say it quietly but perhaps the championship could be in their reach.
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