18th November 2007
Ilkeston put on a performance in tricky wet, blustery and cold conditions today, early exchanges saw both sides testing the others defence before James Gilbert broke away to slot home his first of the day on 12 minutes, Ilkeston’s central defensive partnership of Kyle Frith and Connor ‘Bam Bam’ Bamford held well with Simon Cumisky and Jack Purves ensuring the wing threat was neutralised, midfielders Brenden Dennis and Ryan Selby broke up the oppositions possession, however a half way line break away and blistering shot by the Littleover striker levelled the score. Sustained pressure by the Robins allowed James to net his second and Ilkeston went to half time 2-1 up.
After the break Ilkeston served up more of the same and clever play from Sam Walker laid on James’s hat-trick, Joel Bradford, Sam Saxton and Ben Gretton terrorised the Littleover defence all having shots saved, substitutes Alfie O’dowd, Daniel Nobel, Joe Booth put in good performances and the team effort allowed James to net twice more before a reply from the visitors. Goal mouth scrambles late on at either end let Connor Donson pull off some late saves.
Final score 5-2, an excellent win.
MOM James Gilbert