It was a tough night at the office for Ilkeston as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat to suspected promotion contenders Warrington Town in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Two goals either side of half time put the visitors into a commanding position, with Anthony Dwyer’s 75th minute strike proving to be a consolation.
The Robins’ first opening arrived through Ashley Hunter after 10 minutes, who saw his powerful effort deflected behind for a corner.
It was a positive start for Tris Whitman’s men, who looked to get off on the front foot, searching for a response following defeat to Whitby Town on Saturday.
Lewis Belgrave almost delivered the opener for Ilkeston after 19 minutes, as his strong drive forced Mateusz Hewelt into a fingertip save over the crossbar.
Sam Wilson was called into action for his first intervention of the evening, as Ben Elliott broke past the Ilkeston rearguard before firing his shot straight into the palms of the Robins keeper’.
Warrington threatened on the half-hour mark, as Zayn Sadiq delivered a teasing ball across the face of goal, however no player in a dark blue shirt could get on the end of it.
The visitors opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, as Sadiq darted past the Robins backline before arrowing an effort into the corner past Wilson.
They then doubled their lead with 53 minutes played, as Reece Daly unleashed a fierce drive which left Wilson with no chance.
Two then very nearly became three as Elliott saw his strike cannon off the upright, before being hooked away by Pharrell Johnson.
The Robins halved the deficit with 15 minutes left on the clock as Dwyer pounced on a loose ball before poking an effort past Hewelt.
The equaliser was not to be found however, as Ilkeston fell to back-to-back league defeats.
Ilkeston will return to league action on Saturday 18th of August, hosting early pace setters Cleethorpes Town at the Microlise New Manor Stadium, (3pm KO).