It’s a break from league action on Saturday, as we visit Leamington in the FA Cup first qualifying round at the Co-op Community Stadium.
It was disappointment last time out for the Robins, where we succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the Microlise New Manor Ground, but this contest provides an opportunity to get back to winning ways, and to kickstart a potentially memorable cup run.
The Brakes have had a difficult start to their Southern Premier Central Division campaign after being relegated from the National League North last season, picking up just five points from their opening season, although they were victorious in their last clash, beating Stourbridge by two goals to nil.
Their best run in the FA Cup since reforming was in 2005/06, where they made it to the first-round proper, subsequently being defeated by Colchester United.
The Robins have enjoyed some memorable runs in the competition over the years, with the club reaching the second round on two occasions. In 1997/98, Ilkeston progressed through the qualifying rounds before defeating Football League opposition in the first round, eventually narrowly losing 2-1 to Scunthorpe United in a second-round replay.
Two seasons later, in 1999/00, the Robins famously defeated Football League side Carlisle United 2-1 in the first round before their run eventually came to an end against Rushden & Diamonds following a 3-2 defeat in a second-round replay.
More recently, our best FA Cup run came in 2020/21, when we reached the fourth qualifying round before being defeated by Hartlepool United in a tie broadcast live on the BBC.
This meeting will be the first between the two sides in all competitions.
Will Grewal-Pollard could be in line to make his debut for the Robins on Saturday, having put pen to paper on a dual-registration contract from Redditch United on Friday afternoon.
We hope to see as many of you join us on the trip to Warwickshire, up the Robins!
Match Information:
Fixture: Leamington vs Ilkeston Town
Competition: FA Cup
Venue: The Co-op Community Stadium
Date: Saturday 5th September, (3pm KO)
Ticket Information:
Adults- £15
Concessions- £11
Students-£8
Under 18s -£5
Under 12s- Free
Written By Nathan Waller