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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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Ahead of our NPL game against Whitby Town today, we caught up with Ian Deakin to get his thoughts on his first year in charge of the Robins.

“A year has flown by, and we’ve loved every second of it! Time really does fly when you’re having fun, which is always a good thing.

“We’ve put some building blocks in place, focusing on the structure, trying to retain the players from last year to keep some continuity. Hopefully, this season we can be successful in reaching our targets and goals.

“The fans have been fantastic, as well as the players, staff, volunteers, and everyone working behind the scenes. They’ve made us feel very welcome, and we truly feel at home here.

“We picked up a few injuries again over the weekend in the FA Cup, but we’ve got a strong squad, and hopefully, we’ll have a few players back for Saturday. Whitby went to a replay and extra time on Tuesday in the FA Cup, so the schedule isn’t getting any easier – it’s still tough, and we’ll need to use the full squad.

“We’re under no illusions about how tough the game on Saturday will be, but we’ll go out there to try and win, play our way, and hopefully come away with a clean bill of health.”

Photography by James Bolton

Off the back of last week’s Emirates FA Cup win against Heanor, the Robins welcome 13th placed Whitby Town to the Microlise New Manor Ground on Saturday.

Ian Deakin and his side will be looking to bounce back from our Bank Holiday defeat at Basford in our most recent league fixture. Despite numerous injuries being picked up just days before the start of the season and more names being added to that list since, it’s been a positive start to the 2024/25 Pitching In Northern Premier League season.

The Robins boast the league top goalscorer in Tom Cursons who has scored on six of his last five league games.

Remembering Riley Townsend:

On the 1st of September, local aspiring footballer Riley Townsend, just 12 years old, tragically gained his angel wings. Riley, who faced challenges with ADHD, autism, and mental health issues, was a kind-hearted and lovable child, always the highlight of any gathering. With his cheeky personality and adorable smile, Riley had a way of brightening anyone’s day.

This weekend, before our junior teams’ first kick-off of the season, they will hold a minute’s silence in memory of Riley. Additionally, ahead of our first team’s match against Whitby Town on Saturday afternoon, both teams will observe a minute’s silence to honor him.

We cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak Riley’s family and friends are experiencing, and how much their lives have been changed this week. We ask our incredible supporters to stand with us as we remember and honor Riley’s memory.

Form Guide:

Photo by Jim Bolton

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