Bank Holiday Monday 1st April 2024
Northern Premier League
Matlock Town 1 Ilkeston Town 2
Late goals by Jaiden White and Callum Minkley turned this Bank Holiday fixture Ilkeston’s way after It looked like a 74th minute rocket by John Johnston had won it for Matlock. A very wet pitch made it difficult to do anything but play the ball long and up until the first goal it looked like a stalemate.
Ilkeston were first to create an opportunity which Connor Dixon fired wide then a Matlock shot hit one of their own players at the other end. Tom Cursons dribbled past Myles Wright and put the ball in the net but the offside flag was raised. Yates saved well from Tavonga Kuleya and Dixon’s effort was too high. Kuleya had another crack from the edge of the box following a corner but it flew just wide of the angle of post and bar. Matlock had an optimistic penalty shout but it would have been soft if given. White was causing Matlock problems down the left and he set up chance for Jonathan Wafula which was saved. The Gladiators had another opportunity just before half time after Yates had made a brave save at the feet of Liam Hardy but couldn’t keep hold of the ball. A goalmouth scramble ensued but Ilkeston managed to clear and the first half ended goalless.
Matlock started the second half strongly with Yates having to tip a cross shot over the bar. Matlock skipper John Johnston then fired narrowly wide.after being found by Scott Boden. Wafula had a shot blocked then Wright did really well to claim Larell King’s teasing cross under the crossbar. Lindon Meikle created an opportunity for himself but saw his effort curl just wide. It was looking like one goal would win the game and on 75 minutes Johnston put Matlock ahead with a superb free kick into the top corner. Ilkeston then had a penalty appeal following an off the ball incident not seen by the referee. Jamie Walker had an effort blocked but on 83 minutes White smashed in the equaliser from close range. Both teams looked for a winner and Cursons nearly got it after picking up Yates’s long clearance but lifted his shot over the bar. Right on time Minkley rose to head home the winner and Ilkeston took all three points.
Written by – John Attewell
Photo by – Jim Bolton