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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.

Saturday 14 September 2024

FA Cup – 2nd Qualifying Round

Hereford 1 Ilkeston Town 1

Ilkeston came close to producing a Cup upset against National League North, Hereford, after Tom Cursons’s 9th goal of the season had put them ahead. The Robins had to withstand some late pressure but held on for a second chance at the NMG.

Ilkeston started well and it was difficult to tell which side was from a higher league. The first real chance of the game fell to Hereford’s Usifu Ceesay but he dragged his shot wide. Ilkeston debutant George Wilkinson then did well to prevent a scoring opportunity for Hereford after Alex Babos set Tate Campbell free. Tom Cursons had Ilkeston’s first chance but his shot was over the bar. Ilkeston’s second debutant Jordan Stevens hit a powerful effort which Hereford keeper couldn’t hold but then reclaimed. Hereford hit back with a Tate Campbell effort which went wide and a Kyle Howkins header which was saved by Owen Mason before Babos spurned a good opportunity by lifting the ball over the bar. As half time approached Harvey Kirby-Moore created the opportunity for Cursons to slot the ball past Aaron Chapman and give Ilkeston an interval lead.

Hereford started the second period the stronger and Ceesay’s cross was headed just wide by Ahkeem Rose. On 65 minutes the Bulls drew level when Rose’s effort crashed against the post and Ceesay slammed home the rebound. Hereford then started to get on top but Ilkeston had a chance to retake the lead after a mix up between defenders Hawkins and Hudson allowed Cursons to break free before firing wide. On 82 minutes Hereford had a big penalty shout when Aaron Skinner went over in the box but he made too much of it and was booked for simulation. Three minutes from time Cursons could have won the game for Ilkeston. A well timed run saw him one on one with Chapman but his effort went the wrong side of the post. Right at the death Mason saved a cracker from Campbell and Ilkeston had the replay they deserved.

Written by John Attewell

Tuesday 10 September 2024

Northern Premier League

Worksop Town 2 Ilkeston Town 0

Failure to take chances especially in a riveting first half proved costly for Ilkeston and Worksop went on to record a 5th consecutive win. On loan keeper Owen Mason made his debut for the Robins who couldn’t repeat their first half performance in the second period.

Jonathan Wafula had the first attempt on goal for Ilkeston but he then came off worst in a nasty clash of heads which ended his night after only 4 minutes. Mason produced an outstanding save from a powerful Worksop strike and his opposite number Seb Malkowski saved L’Varn Brandy’s strong header. Mason was in action again saving from Aleks Starcenko before Brandy produced a brilliant bit of skill which saw him race into the Worksop box but his cross was cut out before it reached Tom Cursons. Ilkeston were well ahead on corners and from one of them Worksop were lucky to survive a goalmouth scramble. Worksop took the lead somewhat against the run of play with a Starcenko header on 36 minutes. Ilkeston pressed for a leveller and Connor Dixon’s cross was nicked off the head of Cursons by the busy home keeper. Malkowski then had to race out of his area to head clear, just beating Cursons to the ball. There was a chance at each end in first half added time; first Ilkeston’s Colin Daniel fired over from close range then Mason’s save stopped Worksop going two up.

Worksop started the second half with more purpose and a fine effort by Luke Hall was just wide. Daniel appeared to be pushed over in the Worksop area but appeals were rejected. As Worksop started to get on top James Perch headed off the line. The Tigers doubled their lead through Vaughan Redford on 65 minutes and Ilkeston were then forced to defend in the aftermath. After a couple more Worksop chances Cursons replied for Ilkeston with a shot that flew just wide. Worksop saw out the closing stages so Ilkeston’s night ended in disappointment after such a promising first half.

Written by John Attewell

Photo RBIPhotography

The club can confirm that it has rejected offers for striker Tom Cursons and Goalkeeper Matt Yates.

However, the fees involved fall considerably below what the club deems acceptable and were not in the interests of the players.

Manager, Ian Deakin said: “We understand there is likely to be a considerable amount of interest in Tom given just how well he has performed since arriving at the club.

He has scored eight goals this season and is a real handful; that obviously hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Matty, is the best GK in the league and is an integral part of my future plans. Both players remain fully focussed, starting with tonight’s game at Worksop.”

Chairman, Andrew Nally, said “The bids we have received simply do not match our valuation of the players and were rejected immediately”.

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