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Bob StaveleyUpdated 4th February: The very latest news for Robins fans
A CASE OF REID AND RIGHT FOR ILKESTON:
Ilkeston FC P - P Leek Town - Saturday 4th February
First Division South
Ilkeston are boosted this week by the permanent arrival of James Reid who has had his contract with AFC Telford United cancelled by mutual consent this week. 21 year old Reid has already become an integral part of the Robins' success this season and has recently signed a deal to keep him at Ilkeston until the end of the season, as a boost to the skills of Will McCall and the other recent returnee Sam Duncum.
Robins manager Kevin Wilson can call on the services of Tyrell Waite after rejecting a request from Birmingham City to extend a trial in the West Midlands into a second fortnight, having already played in two youth team matches for the other Blues. Ilkeston have their work cut out to close the gap to First Division South's top two, Carlton and Grantham both of whom have 60 points to Ilkeston's 54, although the Robins have a four point buffer to fourth place Sheffield FC.
However, after a 9:30am pitch inspection, Ilkeston FC's scheduled First Division South game against Leek Town at the New Manor Ground has been postponed. Overnight conditions meant that the inspection was a mere formality, and it's Romulus next for Kevin Wilson's men on February 11th.
NOT SO HOME SWEET HOME FOR 'DEFENCELESS' ILKESTON:
Ilkeston FC 2-2 Loughborough Dynamo - Saturday 28th January
First Division South
After such good form, the conclusion was that Ilkeston's loss at Goole the previous week was just a blip, particularly after progression in the Derbyshire Senior Cup on the subsequent Tuesday with a 3-1 victory over Buxton.
The changes continued in goal for the Robins against Loughborough at home - Scott Law stepping up from the Academy, but stepping in to pick the ball out of his own net just a minute or so in to the game when the Leicestershire visitors scored through former Ilkeston Town player Jamie Clarke powered through. But the 19 year old Ilkeston keeper fought back to given an assured performance, with three key saves over the remainder of the game.
Ilkeston were back on level terms just before the break through Darren Caskey's corner, Gary Ricketts saw his shot saved but was quick to react to slot the parried ball home. 60 minutes later, the Robins were ahead - Sam Duncum found space to dodge two defenders and beat the Loughborough keeper with his low shot. A chance to seal a victory with another goal came and went leaving Loughborough to equalise and take a point in the second minute of added time.
A critical Kevin Wilson berated his side's inability to defend, not just the back four but the entire side, but then moved to state how well his side had done overall in only their first season back in competitive action after the collapse of Ilkeston Town FC a year last September.
IN, WIN, OVER & OUT FOR ROBINS IN CUP:
Coming fresh out of the blocks, returning Robins player Sam Duncum thought he'd more than helped his side progress into the semi-finals of the Derbyshire Senior Cup in a foggy encounter at home to Buxton. The visitors took the lead against the run of play in the 37th minute after David Taylor caught a rebound after Scott Low pushed the initial shot onto the bar. On the stroke of half time, Duncum scored from eight yards, Darren Caskey put them ahead on the hour and then headed the third.
Cometh the victory, cometh the disappointment - Ilkeston were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player - none other than Sam Duncum himself. Buxton appealed over the inclusion of the returning player and at a meeting of the Derbyshire FA Commission - the Robins were removed from the competition and fined just £25.
Duncum was registered to play on Tuesday evening, but needed to be eligible on the date when the game was originally scheduled - Tuesday 17th January.
Robins Chairman Dave Mantle said in response: "Our Secretary Andrew Raisin has admitted he made a mistake and is very keen for us to pass on his apologies to supporters. Clearly, it should not have happened, but I accept that it was a genuine mistake - albeit a costly one - and on this occasion I think we have to bite the bullet and get on with it"
Ilkeston may well be without young striker Tyrell Waite this weekend after one of the Robins rising stars went on trial with Birmingham City. The 17 year old has been training with City this week with the anticipation to make it back for the game against Loughborough Dynamo. Ilkeston manager Kevin Wilson acknowledged that Waite's prominent game play had created a lot of interest because of what he said was 'great potential'. Waite arrived at the NMG after time at Mickleover Sports, Holbrook Sports anmd Chesterfield before joing Ilkeston's very successful Academy, going on to be one of three players to come through the ranks to the fisrt team during the Summer. Waite also went down in history by scoring the newly formed Ilkeston FC's first ever goal in the opening day 4-0 First Division South win over Goole.
SAM BACK BUT COOKE OFF:
Goole AFC 3-0 Ilkeston FC - Saturday 21st January 2012
He was back but he only got eight minutes of game play - a man who helped Ilkeston Town FC win promotion to the Conference North - Sam Duncum was on the bench after manager Kevin Wilson effectively resigned for the former Ilkeston Town FC player. But Duncum could only watch and limit damage in the closing minutes.
Five nightmare minutes of the second half proved the turning point away at Goole after an arguably mundane opening 45 - Vill Powell put the hosts in front 2 minutes after the break, holding off two Robins defenders to slot home, and within five minutes it was 2-0 to Goole, Luke Jeffs' perfectly delivered free kick curled into the top corner - Robins keeper Sam Andrew with no chance of making a save.
Everything became even harder for Ikleston with 22 minutes left - Captain Russ Cooke adjudged to have fouled his counterpart Matty Bloor leaving him in need of treatment but the resulting free kick for Goole came to nothing. However, in the 73rd minute, Powell held off his markers to shoot low and score the third but could have gone further, going close twice.
Speaking after the defeat, Robins manager Kevin Wilson congratulated Goole stating that his own side had not confirmed their place in the play-offs and had no chance with the type of performance he'd seen. A blip? Robins fans would hope so!.
WINTER BITES AT THE NMG:
llkeston FC P-P Sutton Coldfield Town - Saturday 14th January 2012
First Division South
The sudden winter chill took quite an effect at the New Manor Ground, the game against Sutton Coldfield Town being postponed due to a frozen pitch.
DUNCUM'S BACK AT THE MANOR: Kevin Wilson has handed Sam Duncum the chance to re-launch his career at the New Manor Ground in a move that’s guaranteed to delight Ilkeston FC fans.
The 24-year-old wide-midfielder has been without a club since leaving Worksop Town earlier in the season - and Wilson has convinced him that his future should be with the Robins.
He explained: “I’ve been talking to Sam for the past two weeks and I’m really pleased that I’ve managed to persuade him to return. He was a hugely popular player when he was here previously with Ilkeston Town and hopefully that will help him to settle in quickly.
“I think it’s true to say that he has lost his way a bit during the past couple of seasons and Worksop terminated his contract. But I know what Sam is all about and I’ve no doubts that he can do a good job for us.
“It means we will have real competition for places because he does the same sort of job as James Reid and Will McCall, but you cannot sit back and do nothing. There’s no telling how long James will be with us - or when we will get Will back to full fitness.”
Sheffield-born Duncum began his career with Rotherham United, where he made a handful of League appearances, and also had a loan spell with York City before joining Ilkeston Town.
He moved on to Eastwood, where he was involved with the England C squad, and then to Worksop, where his career was severely affected by injuries.
Duncum returns to the New Manor Ground on contract until the end of this season and Wilson clearly hopes he will emerge as an inspiring figure as the Robins step up their push for promotion.
Added the manager: “We still have nine home games left in the League this season and will need people who can create and score goals. I think Sam is more than capable of doing both... and now he has the chance to prove that.”
ROBINS TRIUMPH OVER CHALLENGERS SHEFFIELD:
Ilkeston FC 4-1 Sheffield FC - Monday 9th January 2012
First Division South
There was excitement and goals a plenty at the New Manor Ground on Monday as the Robins bid to follow up Saturday's game against bottom club Shepshed with a home encounter over First Division South challengers Sheffield. Ilkeston were in the ascendancy within the opening 10 minutes, Gary Ricketts volleying home after latching on to Darren Caskey's low corner..
Sheffield replied in the 24th minute. A free kick was won from 20 yards out and the resulting shot from Steve Woolley curled its way into the net as a clear sign of why the Yorkshire club is amongst the league's leading teams. But Ilkeston responded immediately. Whilst there were still signs of jubilation amongst some, Ilkeston took the lead again within a minute of the restart - James Reid was 35 yards from goal when he sent a fierce drive into the net to beat Sheffield keeper Dan Whatsize.
Reid was again on the score sheet in the 65th minute - winning the ball on the edge of the area, before turning to score from a narrow angle, and the crowd joined in the celebrations in the 93rd minute when Reid registered his hat-trick.
A WIN IS A WIN FOR WILSON:
Shepshed Dynamo 0-1 Ilkeston FC - Saturday 7th January 2012
First Division South
The sixteenth win of 26 games for Ilkeston FC's inaugural First Division South season came just down the M1 in Leicestershire against bottom club Shepshed Dynamo. And whilst his son Jake was busy scoring on the south coast for Brighton, Dad Darren Caskey made sure it was 'like father, like son' scoring the only goal for Ilkeston in the 10th minute after a penalty decision went the Robins' way.
The former Tottenham player scored what was his 7th goal of the season in nine starts after Joe Maguire's shot hit a defender's arm after a good combination from James Reid and Jack Watts. But there was not to be another goal for the remaining 80 minutes although Watts came close on severa occasions, as did Ricketts. Reid also forced a decent save from Shepshed keeper James Martin in the closing 10 minutes but at the other end, on-loan keeper Dan Lowson also stopped Shepshed from getting something from the game, and it took a quick reaction from Ryan Wilson to stop another attack on the breakaway.
It's third place in the table for Ilkeston still, but only just as both Monday's opponents Sheffield and Stamford are both ready to pounce, Sheffield just one point behind after Saturday's games.
DOUBLE BLOW FOR ROBINS DESPITE REVENGE PLANS:
Ilkeston FC 0-1 Belper Town - Monday 2nd January 2012
First Division South
After a 3-1 defeat at Christchurch Meadow in August, Ilkeston FC were in the mood to spoil Belper Town's New Year celebrations by taking a win at the NMG against the Belper side. In front of an excellent attendance of 844 the game was deadlocked at 0-0 for 88 of the 90 minutes.
James Reid made a few attempts at the Nailers' goal but was thwarded in his attempts as was Matt Richards who also came close before taking the game's 'Outstanding Player' award. Belper meanwhile also struggled to break through Dan Lowson's goal - Ashley Longstaff coming closest for the visitors - with the Ilkeston keeper wise to the move and diving left to keep the ball safely away from harm.
Whilst Ilkeston pushed forward, Belper's defence was holding firm whilst in attack, former Robin and Belper captain Dan White almost scored with a header having latched on to a cross from Chris Adam whilst Deon Meilke also gave Ilkeston some headaches, seemingly eager to pick up anything and everything.
With the clock ticking through the last 120 seconds, sub Jordan Turner made sure Belper did the double over Ilkeston after a long ball was chased down, leaving Turner to simply roll the ball home after a breakdown in communications between Dan Lowson and Robins defender Russell Cooke. Ilkeston manager Kevin Wilson was quickly conclusive upon the defeat, telling the media how the Nailers' win was a 'smash & grab' in much the same way as their home win was in August, telling the media that his side were caught by one big ball, but that his side looked 'lacklustre'.
STRIKER DOUBT FOR SHORT FESTIVE TRIP:
Hucknall Town 0-2 Ilkeston FC - Monday 26th December
First Division South
Four goals in four games is a rather pleasing stat for Ilkeston FC winger Jack Watts going into the New Year after his goal helped the Robins to take a 2-0 away victory in First Division South. The game was just three minutes short of the break when Watts header beat Hucknall keeper Ben White after good work on the right from James Reid in the wake of a corner. The move came after an earlier sighter when Reid's cross gave an opportunity for Joe Maguire.
After the break, Hucknall had to make a change after Aaron Mitchell picked up a knee injury - this pushed them back and allowed Ilkeston forward as Matt Richards and Reid came close, before Gary Ricketts picked up a good cross from James Cullingworth after 68 minutes and coolly slotted home. Ilkeston continued to attack but neither Ricketts, Wilson or sub Osei-Siribour could add to the goal tally, but at the other end, loan keeper Dan Lowson had little to do after an early period of attack by the hosts on their own turf.
ROBINS SALVAGE POINT ON AWAY TRIP
Brigg Town 1-1 Ilkeston FC – Saturday 17th December 2011
First Division South
Ilkeston FC had endured three games in a week by the time the final whistle came away at Brigg last Saturday. Defeat to First Division South leaders Grantham was followed by a morale boosting win on the following Tuesday, competing in the third round of the Derbyshire Senior Cup. This match trio was identified as a potential reason why Kevin Wilson claimed hs side were sluggish in the first half of the weekend's away tie. Loan keeper Alex Archer had been struggling with a groin strain for all but 20 minutes of the match but still managed to pull off some good saves. The 19 year old Peterborough United loanee stopped efforts from Chris Dickman and Jordan Cooper as Brigg attacked the ailing keeper.
Archer was then on form again to deny Liam Dickins with his feet, but he had to rely on the manager's son to save his blushes - Ryan Wilson clearing off the line from Liam Davis. The match was nevertheless at 0-0 deadlock with 10 minutes to play but Brigg scored first - Ryan Paczkowski smashing the ball home having got on the end of a Liam Davis cross, this despite Ilkeston have made a decent fist of attacking at the other end.
Ilkeston then appeared find another gear and Ricketts, Reid and Partridge all came close. Three minutes after going behind, the Robins levelled the tie - Jack Watts swept the ball home from a James Reid cross in what was the immediate reply to Brigg taking the lead.
There's no time for over indulgence on Christmas Day, with lean portions probably the order of the day - Kevin Wilson's men run out again on Boxing Day with a short away trip to 7th place Hucknall Town, before welcoming Belper Town to the NMG on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd. Whilst Grantham and Carlton fight it out for 1st and 2nd, Ilkeston have some work to do sitting six points off the top two and with Stamford and Sheffield within more than touching distance of Ilkeston's 3rd place - work to do then for Ilkeston over the festive season..
1st DEFEAT SINCE OCTOBER 1st FOR ROBINS
Ilkeston FC 1-3 Grantham Town - Saturday 10th December
Comparing Ilkeston's debut season to Grantham's more established history will give a more balanced reason as to why Ilkeston lost on Saturday, however, that defeat was the first since October 1st, clearing demonstrating the process the Robins have made so far in not even one season back in competitive action.
A three man attack proved key for Grantham and it first reaped rewards in the 36th minute when Paul Grimes set off down the left, sending a cross to Gio Carchedi who cooly headed home. However, Jack Watts brought Ilkeston back into the game with an equaliser just two minutes later. Watts was sharp to react to a goalkeeper clearance, charging the ball down.
Grantham countered again - Carchedi again working well with Grimes who cut in with a left foot shot which dropped into the net just a minute from the break. Signs began to look ominous moments later when both Grimes and Ben Sauders came very close to giving the visitors a two goal half-time lead.
Ilkeston responded in the 2nd half, James Reid hitting the bar, whilst at the other end, Martin Ball took a free kick with rattled the Robins woodwork. Again, Ilkeston responded, but Grantham's keeper nicked the ball from the feet of Darryl Thomas. Grantham took the win in the 66th minute - Ball's 2nd free kick this time hit the post, but had the angle to bounce into the goal. Wilson was critical of the defeat - another mark of how far the team have come - the manager stating that the first two conceded were, in his opinion, preventable. Another good attendance at the NMG - 574 braved the cold.
ROBINS PONDER NO MORE AS 5th BEATS 4th:
Stamford 2-4 Ilkeston FC - Saturday 3rd December 2011
Boosted by the return of team captain Russell Cooke, who has recovered from whiplash injuries sustained in a car accident, Kevin Wilson's Ilkeston FC reclaimed their right to challenge for the top spot with a pleasing win over Stamford in a six goal thriller in Lincolnshire.
With another top of the table clash coming up against Grantham, Wilson said the two results won't make or break his team's season and with that in mind, Josh Hill put Ilkeston ahead with a volley after 22 minutes, but Stamford struck straight back six minutes later through Jake Gibson. The goal exchange swung back to Ilkeston just a minute later when former Rams player Matt Richards tore the Stamford defence to pieces, and found Darryl Thomas who slotted home. A name familiar to borough football fans appeared for Stamford after 33 minutes. Danny Steadman's low cross from a free kick found former Blues & Vics player Nick Ghislanzoni who levelled the score.
After the break, Ilkeston took full control but it took until 10 minutes from time for the Robins to find the way through. Richards found Reid who turned neatly to drive home a powerful and impressive shot. Five minutes later, a 2-4 away win was assured when Gary Ricketts jumped high to head home to keep firm tabs on the other teams challenging so fiercely at the top of the First Division South - Ilkeston are second, 3 points behind leaders Carlton Town.