Lyndon Joyce’s late winner meant Ilkeston Town secured a dramatic 1-0 win on the opening day of the Northern Premier League season against Stockton Town at the Microlise New Manor Stadium.
The visitors forced the first opening of the afternoon with 5 minutes gone, as Jake Petitjean called Sam Wilson into action, where he made a smart stop to his left.
Ash Hunter fashioned the Robins’ first chance after 11 minutes, driving through the middle of the box before he fired an effort high above the bar.
Tris Whitman’s new look Ilkeston outfit grew into the game as the midway point of the half dawned, excellently containing Stockton, who posed plenty of questions.
Heroics from Wilson kept the Robins level going into half-time, as he acrobatically denied a goal-bound effort from Layton Watts from 18 yards out after 43 minutes.
The first chance of the second 45’ fell to Ilkeston through Hunter, who drew a free kick after being halted by the Stockton defence, however he was only able to strike his effort way above the target.
The visitors nearly broke the deadlock just after the hour mark as Joshua Scott headed over from point blank range.
The Robins had the frame of the goal to thank with 10 minutes remaining as Thomas Coulthard struck an effort onto the inside of the post, which Ilkeston managed to scramble clear.
As the second half came to a close, Ilkeston ramped up the pressure on their opponents, creating a host of good openings which they could not take.
However, at the death, the Robins secured the three points in incredible fashion, as Joyce converted from close range with the last kick of the game.
Ilkeston will return to league action on Tuesday, August 11th as they travel to face Emley at the Fantastic Media Welfare ground looking to secure back-to-back wins.
Written By: Nathan Waller