MATCHDAY PROGRAMME | Ilkeston Town v Guiseley AFC
MATCH PROGRAMME | Ilkeston Town v Coleshill Town
MATCH PROGRAMME | ILKESTON TOWN V ASHTON UNITED
Matchday Programme – Ilkeston Town v Ashton United
MATCH PREVIEW | Leek Town v Ilkeston Town
The Robins head to Staffordshire this Saturday to face 19th-placed Leek Town in the Northern Premier League.
Following Tuesday’s hard-fought Emirates FA Cup Second Round Replay defeat to Hereford, Ian Deakin’s squad will be eager to bounce back and continue their strong league form.
This week saw the departure of experienced full-back Connor Brown, who made six appearances since joining the Robins in the summer. We wish Connor all the best in his future endeavors.
On Friday, the club announced the signing of promising young midfielder Casey Johnson.
The 18-year-old, son of Rams legend Seth Johnson, is available for selection for Saturday’s match at Leek.
Speaking to the media team, Johnson shared his excitement:
“I’ve known Deaks since I was 16, he gave me my debut at Long Eaton, so when he reached out, it was an easy decision to sign. I’m versatile, I like getting involved in the goals, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Manager Ian Deakin also shared his thoughts ahead of the weekend:
“We’re excited to return to league action against Leek. After the FA Cup loss earlier this week, we’re hoping to get back to winning ways. I was proud of the lads’ efforts across both games. We played well and created chances, but football doesn’t always reward you as it should. The mood in the camp is still positive.
“Leek is a difficult place to visit. They’re a good club, and league positions mean very little in this division—every game is tough. We need to approach it with the right mentality. Thankfully, we’ve had some players return to training this week.
“Casey Johnson joins us, and he’s a fantastic young talent. I gave him his debut at Long Eaton when he was just 16, and he scored. He’s someone I’ve followed for a while, and it’s great to bring him in, especially as a local player.
“We’re committed to giving local lads opportunities. You can see how well young Harvey Kirby-Moore is doing; he’s thriving, and we want to build a team of young, exciting players who will stay together for the next two or three years. Harvey and Casey are going to be key players for us.”
Robins exit the emirates FA Cup after a battling replay against Hereford
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