Hanna's rapid hat-trick for Ilkley Town

James Hanna hit a 13-minute hat-trick as Ilkley Town ended their three-match losing Division One streak at sunny Ben Rhydding on Saturday.

His goals finally killed off the challenge of a visiting side who are still searching for their first win this season and came during a bright finish from the home side who produced their best football of the match.

Ilkley had started the game in a positive mood, working hard and putting the opposition under pressure.

They dominated the early exchanges and had sustained possession in the opposition half but a combination of poor finishing and decision making meaning the first 20 minutes were goalless.

Adam Turner broke the deadlock when he managed to turn his man before finding himself one on one with the centre half.

He shifted the ball inside and finished low in the corner to give Ilkley the advantage their dominance had deserved.

The half continued in similar fashion until a scramble inside the Kellingley box saw the ball fall to Damien Smith who slotted home from close range to give Ilkley a comfortable 2-0 advantage going into the break.

The second half saw a sloppy initial 30 minute display from Ilkley as twice they conceded after trying to play offside, which without linesmen is always a risky thing to do.

Sandwiched in between the Kellingley goals was a first of the season for James Winward who tapped in from close range after the goalkeeper had made a good save, meaning despite never being behind, Ilkley narrowly led 3-2 going into the crucial closing stages.

From here it was the Hanna show.

His finest finish completed his hat-trick as he received the ball on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner of the net.

This was not only enough to complete his first Ilkley treble, but also secure him his first man of the match accolade of the season.

Ilkley visit Altofts on Saturday looking to make better decisions in the final third as they strive to build on last week’s victory and climb the the table.