Ilkeston Town were condemned to a third straight Northern Premier League Premier division defeat, following a 3-0 defeat to table toppers Cleethorpes Town at the Microlise New Manor Ground.
Two first-half goals left the Robins with work to do after the break, before a penalty three minutes from time completed the scoring.
Ash Hunter was involved early on with five minutes on the clock, as he latched onto a pass from Jordan Stevens, before firing wide of the mark.
The midfielder then had an opportunity from a free-kick on the edge of the 18-yard box four minutes later, as he struck an effort which just crept over the target.
Moments later, Sam Wilson was called into action as he produced a diving save from Josh Walker, before Cashmere Kayin Rowe hooked the loose ball away.
Cleethorpes fashioned another opening after 20 minutes, as Billy Fewster made a darting run down the right, before crossing to Walker in the centre who could only guide an effort into the palms of Wilson.
The Owls opened the scoring through Jamie Bramwell, who converted from the far post, despite claims of a foul from Wilson.
It would only take them four minutes to double their lead, as Walker latched onto a delivery from the right, before he converted his strike past Wilson, giving them a two-goal advantage heading into the break.
The second half saw a lack of opportunities for both sides, as the visitors held onto their lead well, whilst Tris Whitman’s men struggled to get a foothold on proceedings.
Jevin Seaton looked the most likely Robins’ player to find them a route back into the contest after he entered the fray with 65 minutes played, causing plenty of issues down the right and seeing a shot deflected behind.
Ilkeston’s best opening of the contest came too little too late, as Elwalid Elhagany was somehow denied from close range by Ollie Battersby, as the clocked ticked down.
However, the final blow was dealt in injury time, as Lewis Hey drew a foul in the box leading to a penalty which Wilson initially did well to save, before Liam Hughes duly converted.
The Robins return to league action on Tuesday 25th of August, as we travel to Greater Manchester to face Ashton United at Hurst Cross.