Harrogate Railway fought back from two goals down to see off Ilkley Town and secure a much-needed three points in NCEL Division One.
Winless in four league outings since their opening-day success over South Leeds, the Starbeck outfit seemed destined for another defeat after conceding twice inside the opening 33 minutes of Saturday’s game.
Harrogate Railway's players celebrate their stoppage-time winner against Ilkley Town. Picture: Craig Dinsdaleplaceholder image
Harrogate Railway's players celebrate their stoppage-time winner against Ilkley Town. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
But, Rob Youhill’s troops dug deep, and having got themselves back on level terms, proceeded to net a decisive third goal in stoppage time.
Beaten 3-2 away at Goole in midweek, Railway found themselves up against it once again when Adam Hartley handed Ilkley a ninth-minute advantage.
And things got even worse for the hosts just after the half-hour mark as Lewis Gartland doubled the Town lead.
However, the men from Station View did not waste too much time feeling sorry for themselves and reduced the deficit within five minutes through striker Alex Burton’s powerful headed effort.
And, the Rail were back on terms shortly after the half-time interval thanks to right-back Jacob Jessop, who stuck out a leg inside the six-yard box to force the ball Ilkley custodian Josh Dickerson.
It took until the dying moments of the game for the winner to arrive, but Charlie Lack’s fine finish was worth the wait.
After space opened up in front of him, the Railway substitute drove into the penalty area before picking out the top corner of Dickerson’s net with a clinical strike.
Last Tuesday evening, the Rail conceded twice in the space of a minute at Goole and found themselves 2-0 down at the interval.
Jack Mason and the fit-again Harry Bandeira found the net in the second half to give the away team home, but they finished up empty-handed.
This Wednesday sees Railway on their travels at Brigg Town (7.45pm), before they entertain Kinsley Boys this Saturday afternoon (3pm).