On this day in 2017, Ilkeston Town FC played their first ever game, a friendly away to Underwood Villa.
Who would’ve known what would come next. Two promotions, one league title and many memorable games later, the new Robins are now preparing for their fourth campaign.
But before we get onto this season, there are a few memorable games we have to cover first.
Our first season saw us finish runners-up to title winners Walsall Wood, a really strong outfit. Although the Robins picked up all six points available from the two games between the sides that season, Walsall Wood looked unstoppable at the top of the table.
A 3-2 home win, after going behind, saw the Robins go top of the table in early January 2018. Then in the last game of the season, Ilkeston put four past The Wood on the road to take all three points and finish the season on a high.
The Robins’ second season ended with a unforgettable 8-1 away win to secure the Midland Football League Premier Division title on the last day of the season, a game seen as the most memorable for many Robins fans.
Although last season ended prematurely, we saw many memorable matches. The game at Leek Town away, although finishing in defeat and with just nine Robins on the field, really showed the Robins supporters what potential the team had and how hard they are willing to work against a very good outfit.
Loughborough Dynamo at home, a 5-0 win in front of 500+ supporters at the NMG, was the biggest win for the Robins in the now null and void 2019/20 season.
Then Leek Town came to Ilkeston. The hosts produced an impressive and hard-fought 2-0 win, a result the Robins supporters had witnessed nine years prior when Ilkeston FC put two past Leek to gain promotion via the play-off final.
With the new season expected to start on September 19, we as always would like to thank the Ilkeston supporters for their magnificent backing and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the New Manor Ground when it is safe to do so.
#OneTownOneClub