Tuesday 17 September 2024
FA Cup – 2nd Qualifying Round Replay
Ilkeston Town 0 Hereford 1
Adam Rooney’s first half goal ended Ilkeston’s FA Cup ambitions despite a titanic effort by the Robins in the second half. Ilkeston coach Craig Swinscoe said after the game that he was proud of the players who gave their all. Paul Caddis, the Hereford manager said he was pleased with how his team had defended their lead.
Ilkeston made a positive start which saw Colin Daniel’s early shot clearing the bar. Hereford hit back with a move involving Akheem Rose and Alex Babos which was ended by Ilkeston keeper Owen Mason who grabbed the ball before Babos could pounce. Jamie Walker and Tom Cursons both had shots blocked before Cosmos Matwasa created another Hereford chance after driving forward and finding Lewis Hudson who couldn’t hit the target. Ilkeston were then denied the lead when Aaron Chapman brilliantly saved Tom Marshall’s effort from inside the box following a corner. Next to go close was Daniel whose measured shot was only just too high but on 40 minutes it was Hereford who took the lead. Tate Campbell started the counter attack which was finished emphatically by Adam Rooney with a powerful strike past Mason. Ilkeston responded and Connor Dixon saw his effort just before half time saved by Chapman.
Ilkeston started the second half on the front foot and Hereford survived a penalty appeal two minutes in when Daniel’s cross appeared to hit a defender’s hand. This was followed by three quick Ilkeston corners as Hereford were pinned back. Walker and Dixon both saw decent efforts go wide but Hereford were always a threat on the counter. On 78 minutes Ilkeston had a second penalty appeal rejected when Cursons looked to be pulled down in the area. Harvey Kirby-Moore broke free on goal but was flagged offside then L’Varn Brandy was cynically brought down as he raced towards the Hereford box. Marshall lined up the free kick but his effort sailed over bar. Chapman tipped a shot over as Ilkeston made a final effort but there was no way through the Hereford defence and it was the visitors who progressed to the next round.
Written by John Attewell
Photo by Tom Flint