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Fifty-five years ago Ilkeston Town travelled to the Moat Ground to take on Gresley Rovers in the new ‘Non League Trophy” as the Football Post coined it. It is now known as the FA Trophy. Ilkeston were in the Midland League and Gresley Rovers were unbeaten in the supposedly inferior East Midlands Regional League.

The teams were:
Gresley Rovers – Slaney, McDonnell, Page, Fitchett, King, Greaves, Michell, Cowlishaw, Liddle, Tomas and Fairbrother sub Duggins.

Ilkeston Town – Treharne, Jones, Agnew, Thompson, Tunstall, Wyld, Brown A, Norris, Shrewsbury, Coleman and Rann Sub McAndrew.

Ilkeston started the game strongly and had the best of the early exchanges and had Gresley on the back foot. Norris nissed a good chances for the Robins but Cowlishaw forced Treharne to make a good save just before the break. The Moatmen got back into the game into the second half and it was Ilkeston’s turn to defend in a strong wind which made fluent play difficult for both sides. On eighty-five minutes Ilkeston got their reward when Alan Brown scored with a header from a Thompson free-kick to win the game and secure the Robins journey in the FA Trophy.

In the next round drew at home to Prestatyn from North Wales and played the replay which was also drawn at Witton Albion due to Prestatyn lack of floodlights. The Manor Ground did not have either and the third game was played at Northwich Victoria with Ilkeston winning 3-1 through two goals from Shrewsbury and one from Brown. In the next round Ilkeston defeated Sandbach Ramblers before taking on Telford United in front of 607 fans. Telford were a strong side and were too good for Ilkeston running out 2-0 winners with goals from Bentley and Harris. Telford went on to reach the final but lost to Macclesfield Town. Interestingly all the teams that Ilkeston played in the first year of the FA Trophy all at some time went out of existence as did Macclesfield Town the winners and Ilkeston Town themselves. Meanwhile in the Midland League Ilkeston finished a disappointing seventh with Alfreton Town the runaway leaders at the top.

In the Football League Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur with Rees and Moore scoring for Forest and Greaves and Pearce getting the Tottenham goals. Derby County were well beaten 4-0 by Arsenal in their first season back in the First Division under Brian Clough. Everton were six points clear at the top and were
still there at the end of the season to secure the title. Elsewhere Nottingham Schoolboys took on Derby Schoolboys and won 2-1. Derby included future Derby County player Steve Powell and Notts included future Robin Bert Bowery. Mansfield Town A were beaten 4-0 by Birmingham City A with a very young Trevor Francis
getting one of the goals. Nottingham Forest A beat Thorneywood Athletic 4-0 in the FA Youth Cup with future Robin Graham Collier getting two of the goals and a youthful John Robertson also getting on the scoresheet.

This website piece is written by John Shiels

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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.”

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

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Following our 1-1 draw away at Hereford FC in the Emirates FA Cup, earning the Robins a replay at the Microlise New Manor Ground tomorrow evening, we caught up with Manager Ian Deakin for a full update on the squad.

New Arrivals:

Towards the end of last week, we were pleased to announce the signings of Jordan Stevens and George Wilkinson. Both made their debuts for the Robins in Saturday’s draw against Hereford FC, putting in impressive shifts to help secure tomorrow’s replay against the National League North side at MNMG.

Loan News:

• Koby Eratt-Thompson has joined Newark & Sherwood FC on a one-month loan.
• Sacha Markelic has signed with Heanor Town on a dual registration.

Injury News:

• Alex Marshall: After coming on late in Saturday’s match, Alex went down with what looked to be a serious ligament injury. We’ll have a clearer picture after further scans once the swelling has gone down. We wish Alex all the best in his recovery and remain hopeful it’s not as bad as first feared.
• Declan Eratt-Thompson: Declan picked up an MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injury earlier in the season, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back with the squad in about eight weeks.
• Mitchell Robinson: After a promising start in pre-season and the NPL campaign, Mitchell has been sidelined with an MCL injury. At this stage, we’re unsure of his return date.
• Jonathan Wafula: Jonathan was forced off early during last Tuesday’s defeat at Worksop Town after sustaining a head injury. He’s currently following concussion protocol, but we’re hopeful he’ll be back in action for next Saturday’s fixture.