News

Super Robins smash eight past Histon

Oct 2, 2021

Ilkeston Town put in a display of ruthless finishing to see off bottom-of-the-table Histon on Saturday.

The visitors have struggled all season to make an impact in the NPL Midlands following their relocation from the Southern Premier League, the loss of players they’ve been unable to replace contributing to their problems.
 
And they were never at the races in a game that Ilkeston dominated from the off, this the Robins’ second big win at home in a row following a 5-0 success over Spalding last month.
 
Remaye Campbell put an early chance over the top for the Robins, but wouldn’t be denied on 14 minutes as a short corner saw Alex Troke get to the byline and square into the six yard box where Campbell stabbed home from a yard out.
 
Chances dried up despite Ilkeston’s dominance, that the case until the 32nd minute when Ollie Brown-Hill – a powerhouse throughout the afternoon – did well down the left and pulled back for Troke who had time to pick his spot and side foot the ball home.
Histon replied with debutant Rhys Thorpe firing the visitors’ first effort on goal straight at Ross Durrant.
 
But the lead was extended further on 37 minutes when Zak Goodson received possession on the right hand edge of the penalty area and cut in before finding the far corner of the net.
 
Joe Maguire was then denied by fine stop from keeper Sam Roach after coming up for a free-kick, but from the resultant corner goal four followed as the ball found the net off the leg of the unlucky Thorpe who was on the edge of the six yard box.
 
It took just six minutes of the second-half for the fifth to arrive, Maguire heading home at the back post from Charlie Wakefield’s in-swinging free-kick on the right-hand side.
 
Five became six just after the hour, Brown-Hill again involved as he threaded a ball in to Campbell who finished well.
 
Campbell fired just wide in search for a seventh soon afterwards, but it did come on 72 when Troke had plenty of time and space to control and fire low into the net from eight yards out.
 
Brown-Hill fired just too high as Ilkeston went for an eighth, which came when sub Paddy Webb tapped home after good work from James Carvell and Goodson.
 
And that would be that on a very wet afternoon at the New Manor Ground that left the visitors heading back to Cambridgeshire both sodden and soundly beaten.
 
Ilkeston: Durrant, Williams, Tait (Verma 46), Wakefield, Maguire, Fenton, Goodson, Brown-Hill, Campbell (Webb 66), Troke (Carvell 72), Reid.
Subs not used: Francis, Foster.
 
Histon: Roach, Bexfield, Collins, Dawkin (Stevens-Lee 62), Key (Greengrass 65), Brookes, Thorpe, Camara, Gordon-Douglas (Lindsay 62), Wilkinson, Chizari.
Subs not used: Cole, Lawal.
 
Att: 415
Report by Mark Duffy

Robins Donated Defibrillator By Leon’s Legacy

Sep 22, 2021

Last week the team from Leon’s Legacy donated a defibrillator to Ilkeston Town FC/Juniors.

Leon’s Legacy is a family-run charity based in Nottingham, raising money to put defibrillators in schools across the United Kingdom.

It was created in memory of Leon Smith, who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest in January 2019 at the school where he worked. Since then, the charity has placed over 40 defibrillators in schools across England and taught over 400 people CPR.

However, since Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during the European Championships, Leon’s Legacy have been providing defibrillators to local sports teams and clubs.

In May this year, Leon’s dad Neil Smith sadly passed away. Neil was a trustee of the charity and was involved in all aspects of fundraising.

In his memory, a defibrillator has been donated to Ilkeston Town Football Club as well as several schools.

Head of Football Mark Clifford said: “In a week which saw young West Bridgford player Dylan Rich lose his life playing the sport he loves, it makes you realise that whilst football seems like life or death when that whistle goes, it’s actually just a game that we all love so much, and certainly not life or death!

“We have ensured that the safety of all of our teams is paramount, the first team has a defibrillator as part of its matchday equipment, it travels with us home and away to ensure we can react quickly if called upon.

“The club has one secured on site so that again, if needed, anyone using our facility has the best chance of survival should the worst happen.”

You can follow Leon’s Legacy on Twitter – https://twitter.com/legacy_leon

You can follow Leon’s Legacy on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LeonsLegacyDefibs/

Tait signs new Robins deal

Sep 15, 2021

We are delighted to announce that Mitchell Tait has today signed a new contract which will see him remain at the New Manor Ground until 2023.

Having impressed with last year’s Academy U19 National League Squad and FCB side, Tait was promoted to the first team following multiple injuries within the squad, and immediately showed the coaching staff and Robins supporters what he was about.

Manager Martin Carruthers said: “I’m pleased the club have tied down another good prospect.

“Mitch has managed to break in to the first team this season and keep his place which a fantastic achievement for someone of his age.

“He will need to continue to work hard, learn and develop and I’m sure he will be a good asset for the club over the next two years.”

 

 

Robins put five past Spalding United

Sep 15, 2021

Ilkeston Town 5-0 Spalding United

Ilkeston Town took delivery of a bundle of early Christmas presents from visitors Spalding United on Tuesday as they romped to a 5-0 win at the New Manor Ground.

Four of the five goals were heavily contributed to by Spalding mistakes, but the Robins took their chances well, dominated the game anyway and fully deserved the three points in response to a disappointing loss at home to Chasetown three days earlier.

One downer on the evening was injuries to four Robins players that forced their withdrawal from the encounter, Joe Maguire, Aman Verma, Remaye Campbell and Alex Troke all retiring hurt and looking unlikely to feature at Carlton Town on Saturday.

But the win was a welcome one for Ilkeston who remain committed to challenging for the top places in this season’s NPL Midlands.

After a fairly even start, the Robins began to get hold of the game and were gifted the lead on 14 minutes. Sam Cartwright was under very little pressure as he attempted a back pass to his goalkeeper Michael Duggan but proceeded to knock the ball straight past him and towards goal, Billy Bennett able to run in and claim the goal for himself by helping it over the line.

Spalding were a mess at the back, soon playing themselves into trouble again as Dan Bucciero’s clearance hit Troke and forced Duggan to push the ball wide.

But from Bennett’s corner, the ball found its way to the back post where United defender Shane Clarke sliced the ball into his own net when trying to clear.

The Robins lost captain Maguire injured on the half-hour which led to a re-shuffle and Verma moving to centre-half, Paddy Webb coming on up front.

Troke saw a 25-yard free-kick pushed wide by Duggan, before the third goal arrived and again Spalding’s defensive work was questionable as they failed to clear a cross, Troke seeing a shot saved but Bennett following up to score from a couple of yards out.

Half-time arrived with the Robins three up but with another injury, Campbell also retiring hurt to be replaced by Ollie Brown-Hill.

Spalding’s best moment so far came on 55 minutes when Jordan Macleod’s long range strike was inches wide of Ross Durrant’s post.

Ilkeston seemed happy not to move much out of third gear in the second-half initially, Charlie Wakefield’s shot deflected wide on 67 their first real moment of quality going forward since the break.

Zak Goodson then saw a lob tipped wide by Duggan after Troke’s long ball over the top, but the fourth goal would soon come and again a United error caused it.

Webb charged into the penalty area after a long ball found him and was barged to the ground by defender Oliver Price as he prepared to shoot, Price sent off for the offence and a penalty awarded.

Troke stepped up to side foot the ball home and make it 4-0.

The fifth followed not long afterwards, sub James Carvell beating his man superbly down the right, getting to the byline and finding Brown-Hill at the back post who slammed the ball home.

Stern Irvine had to clear a goalbound header off the line at the other end as Spalding looked for a consolation, but they would have nothing to show for their presence at the end of the game.

Ilkeston: Durrant, Tomlin, Tait, Wakefield, Maguire (Webb 31), Irvine, Goodson, Verma (Carvell 70), Campbell (Brown-Hill 41), Troke, Bennett.

Subs not used: Rogers, Stainsby.

Spalding: Duggan, Price, Flitton, Clarke, Cartwright, Ward (Stainfield 46), Floyd (Baker 46), Bucciero, Assombalonga, MacLeod (Robinson 59), Yala.

Ref: Gareth Davis

Att: 344

Report by Mark Duffy

Ilkeston Town FCB Continue Winning Run.

Sep 13, 2021

Stapleford Town 0-2 Ilkeston Town FCB

Our FCB side had their first away game of the season against an in-form Stapleford on Saturday.

Ilkeston began the game very well and looked up for it from the get go. The pace in behind again was troubling the opposition, Ayleal Dill and CJ Dunkley testing the goalkeeper early on.

Stapleford couldn’t really trouble the Robins defenders who dealt well with long balls pumped forward.

After around 15 minutes, Dunkley was sent through by a well timed pass from Lamin Manneh, just got there before the onrushing keeper and slotted it into the empty net to put Ilkeston in front.

Stapleford reacted well for the next ten minutes, winning a couple of corners and dangerous free-kicks but again these were dealt with well by the Robins.

With only ten minutes left of the first-half, Ilkeston won themselves a corner. Kieran Cummings’ delivery was met by Jamie Williamson who finished from close range to get his second of the season.

The second-half was played very professionally by Ilkeston as they controlled the pace of the game and frustrated Stapleford in stages.

With around eight minutes to play, Mazhi Simmonds was sent off for a second yellow card, which meant Ilkeston had to be resolute for the remaining minutes.

They were, and defended superbly as a team to ensure they got the job done and made it three wins out of three.

FREE ENTRY FOR TWO FORTHCOMING HOME FIXTURES.

Sep 1, 2021

As a thank you to our supporters and town for their excellent and continued support, the owners of the club have decided to offer FREE ENTRY to everyone at two forthcoming home fixtures.

Saturday 11th September v Chasetown FC

Saturday 18th December v Stamford AFC

Advance tickets are not required nor available, with free entry being offered to all in attendance at both fixtures, including travelling supporters.

To all potential new visitors to the NMG, you are also welcome. The great joys of non-league football mean you can experience having a pint at pitchside before, during and after a game.

If you have younger family members, why not let them meet the players and play on the stadium playing surface following the game (subject to correct footwear, CLICK HERE to see the information on this) We are certain you will feel part of a wonderful family atmosphere at one of non-league football’s finest venues.

Hot and cold food is also available throughout the game, along with live Premier League football on a 150” screen both before and after our game.

We would love to see you all there.

#OneTownOneClub

Ten-man Robins overcome Bedworth

Aug 29, 2021

Ilkeston defied having to play over half of the game with ten men to overcome Bedworth United at the New Manor Ground on Saturday.
 
A poor first-half all round was followed by a much better second, the hosts unflustered by losing James Reid to two bookable offences just before the break.
 
Bedworth offered little throughout and even their goal came via an Ilkeston head, the Robins’ attacking play – often instigated by the lively Zak Goodson – proving too much for the visitors at times.
 
Charlie Wakefield scuffed the first effort of note wide from the edge of the penalty area five minutes in for the hosts, then it took another 20 minutes or so for another chance to come when Remaye Campbell was fed by Goodson but mis-hit his shot straight into the arms of keeper Sam Lomax when he should have scored.
 
The Robins then took the lead on 27 minutes. The ball found Goodson on the right edge of the penalty area and after he cut inside and shot on his left foot, the effort was parried by Lomax straight to Alex Troke who had an easy tap in.
 
Within five minutes the visitors got level and it was Ilkeston who scored the goal for them, as a free-kick into the penalty area from deep saw Joe Maguire head the ball past his own keeper unchallenged 12 yards out.
 
Ilkeston then saw Reid sent off for two yellow cards in the space of five minutes, the first a late challenge and the second more of a tangle that saw a United player brought to ground but it was enough for ref Lewis Saunders-Johnson to produce a second booking and half-time arrived with a numerical advantage for the visitors.
 
Two minutes into the second-half, the Robins got themselves back in front. Goodson was fouled 25 yards out and centre-back Kieran Fenton stepped up to curl a beauty of a free-kick into the top corner for his first Ilkeston goal.
 
Eight minutes later it was three, as Goodson did well again to break into the penalty area and see a low shot parried and this time Campbell was on hand to tap the ball home.
 
Bedworth nearly pulled one back when Kyle Barnett’s cross evaded everyone and had to be pushed away well by Robins keeper Ross Durrant, debutant Paddy Webb then cutting in and shooting wide for Ilkeston as they searched for a fourth.
 
United had plenty of late possession but struggled to penetrate, Wakefield having to clear from danger at the last in one attack, but the Robins were able to see the game out with few concerns for an impressive three points.
Report by Mark Duffy
Photo by Lee Prewett

Robins progress in FA Cup

Aug 23, 2021

Ilkeston Town are into the FA Cup first qualifying round after overcoming United Counties League side Quorn on Saturday.
 
The margin of victory should perhaps have been bigger, Quorn goalkeeper Max Culverwell putting in an outstanding display to keep the score down, although the hosts were equally frustrated on several occasions in front of goal.
 
But ultimately it was the Robins who avoided the potential banana skin to progress through and they’ll now travel to Halesowen Town in the first qualifying round on September 4.
 
Martin Carruthers made several changes to the side that had lost to Sporting Khalsa on Tuesday night and his team had the first opening ten minutes in when a good move through the middle saw Charlie Wakefield send Jack Rogers down the left and he cut in before hitting a low shot which keeper Culverwell got down to push away.
 
But the opener came three minutes later when James Carvell did well down the right and laid the ball back for Wakefield six yards out and he couldn’t miss.
Just a minute later, however, Quorn were level with a corker. Leke Shodunke had been lively early on and he played a one=two on the edge of the penalty area before curling an effort wide of Ross Durrant and into the top corner.
 
Luke Varney then saw Durrant tip an effort wide, as did Aman Verma at the other end as the game continued to produce lots of chances.
 
Alex Troke was next, his low strike held by Culverwell, then Kyle Bryant headed just too high after Ilkeston hadn’t cleared a corner.
 
Rogers shot straight at Culverwell after another good Ilkeston break, then Wakefield saw an effort deflected just over the top after Rashaan Francis’s cross found him at the back post.
 
As half-time approached, Stern Irvine’s shot was pushed away again by Culverwell who had enjoyed a good half, the break arriving with the sides unable to be separated.
 
Varney had the first chance of the second-half, cutting in before shooting low at Durrant, then Nathan Dale’s free-kick was just too high from 25 yards out.
 
The Robins got the lead on 68 and it was from the penalty spot, as sub Zak Goodson was sent clear down the inside right and cut back to his left foot but in doing so was brought down by Jurelle Phillip, who was booked. Up stepped Troke and he sent the keeper the wrong way with the spot kick.
 
Billy Bennett forced Culverwell into another save low down moments later as the Robins looked to turn the screw, Goodson then breaking again to see a shot saved low down with Carvell’s follow up impressively tipped over by the Quorn stopper who was having an excellent game.
 
Carvell was close again with a curler on 85 which went just past the post, while Durrant had to be alert to block Matt Dawson’s strike in stoppage time as the hosts pushed forward in search a leveller that ultimately wouldn’t come, although a late challenge on Dawson saw the referee turn down appeals for a penalty that left the hosts arguing the case long after the final whistle.
 
Quorn: Culverwell, Bryant, Oshungbare, Bal, Cullingworth (O’Neill 81), Dawson, Dale, Varney, Mangondoza, Shodunke, Phillip.
Subs not used: Clibbens, Phipps, Auld, Blades, Chilaka, McGuinn
 
Ilkeston: Durrant, Francis (Bennett 46), Tait, Wakefield, Irvine, Fenton, Carvell, Verma, Rogers (Goodson 60), Troke (Campbell 83), Reid.
Subs not used: Stainsby, Maguire, Brown-Hill.
Report by Mark Duffy

Robins get off to a flying start

Aug 15, 2021

Ilkeston Town got the new NPL Midlands season off to a winning start with a 3-1 win at Stamford on Saturday.

With both sides tipped to have strong seasons this was a chance for Martin Carruthers’ men to make an early statement of intent, and whilst there is still plenty of work to be done the result and the manner in which it was achieved will have thrilled their strong following that made the trip to Lincolnshire.

Carruthers named two academy products – Seke Spence and Mitchell Tait – in his line-up and both played their part in an away performance that largely nullified the threat of the home side whilst taking three of the few chances they were able to break away and create.

It took 13 minutes for the first real chance to come, Zak Goodson released through the middle by Alex Troke but under pressure and from a slight angle his shot was pushed wide by keeper Dan Wallis.

Stamford lost key midfielder Rob Morgan injured on the half-hour mark, then a short corner culminated in Ilkeston’s Charlie Wakefield seeing a low ball into the six yard box blocked by Wallis.

But the Robins would get the lead three minutes before half-time, as the ball broke to Troke near the byline and his chipped cross forced an error in the Stamford six-yard box and Billy Bennett was able to nick in and stab the ball home.

Opposing left-back Connor Bartle nearly levelled straight away, albeit there would have been a bit of luck about it as his volleyed cross had to be tipped wide by the back pedalling Ross Durrant as the wind got hold of the ball and nearly took it in at the far post.

Goodson curled a shot straight at Wallis in stoppage time as the Robins sought a second before the break, but the half would end with a lead the visitors deserved overall.

The second-half took a while to produce a chance too, 64 minutes having elapsed before Stamford’s Tom Siddons’ free header from a left wing corner bounced down and towards the corner of the net but Bennett was on hand to nod the ball wide for a corner.

Moments later, Bennett then was on hand to double the Robins’ lead. Once again it was Troke who was the provider, this time finding space on the right wing to swing in another fine cross and Bennett stole in to head into the corner of the net on 68 minutes.

Siddons headed just wide of the post at the other end as Stamford tried to get back in the game, then he saw another header go close but this time Kieran Fenton saved a certain goal with a clearance off the line.

Durrant then had to be on hand to get down low and palm James Blunden’s low shot past the post – the hosts giving it a good go as the game entered its final ten minutes.

But their hopes were ended on 82, as Charlie Wakefield chipped a fine ball over the top for Troke to run on to and the Robins man proceeded to lob Wallis and seal the three points.

Wakefield nearly added a fourth when running on to Troke’s knock down but saw his volley saved well by Wallis, before Stamford finally registered a consolation in stoppage time when Jon Challinor found space in the penalty area and fired low into the corner of the net.

But that would be all they’d have to offer, as Ilkeston saw out a fine opening day win.

Stamford: Wallis, Armstrong, Bartle, Vince, Freeman, Blunden, Johnson, Morgan (Butterworth 31, Challinor 61), Siddons, Hicks (Goncalves 61), Matwasa.

Subs not used: Snedden, Peverell.

Ilkeston: Durrant, Bennett (Rogers 86), Spence (Verma 72), Wakefield, Maguire, Fenton, Marzano, Goodson (Carvell 72), Campbell, Troke, Tait.

Subs not used: Stainsby, Irvine.

Att: 407

Ref: Joe Woolmer

Report by Mark Duffy

Robins sign promising young defender

Aug 1, 2021

We are delighted to announce the signing of defender Stern Irvine.

Stern, 18, has spent the last two years coming through Notts County’s academy and following his release from the Magpies over the summer, has featured as a trialist for the Robins in some of their pre-season friendlies.

And boss Martin Carruthers says he’s delighted to have brought the youngster in.

He said: “It’s great to get Stern on board and he is a fantastic addition to our squad.

“He is a player with real potential who will have opportunities to progress to higher levels. Lots of professional clubs were interested in signing him and it’s a real coup for this club to get him and facilitate his development.”