Saturday 6th January 2024 – Pitching In Northern Premier League
Ilkeston Town 2-0 FC United of Manchester
A raucous crowd at the New Manor Ground saw the Robins secure a 2-0 win over FC United of Manchester and their first of 2024.
The first goal came from Tom Cursons in the second half as Connor Dixon played the ball across the box to the number nine, who comfortably slotted it past Pat Boyes.
Dixon doubled the home side’s lead after a defensive error from FC United and sees the ball strike the back of the net.
Both teams started well in an end to end first 15 minutes, with the away team looking comfortable on the ball.
One of Ilkeston’s best chances of the first half was from Tom Marshall as his great effort from a dangerous free kick was just tipped over the bar by Boyes.
The visitors were forced into an early change as Dontal Gabidon went down with a hamstring injury in his own box, and was replaced by Luke Griffiths. A big shame for the away side as he looked to be the one to open the scoring for FC United.
The home team had another good chance in the first 45 minutes from Cursons when his strong header went just wide of the post.
Luke Cox forced FC’s goalie into a late save with the ball heading into the top corner, but it’s a good save in the end.
Arguably the best chance of the first half came just before the ref blew the whistle, and it came from James Perch’s header from the edge of the area.
The Robins were shooting towards the clocktower in the second half, the home fans giving them that final push.
The first change for the home side came with Alex Marshall replacing Liam Loughlan in the 54th minute.
Good chances for both sides in the second half, but the best one came from Brandy for Ilkeston as his excellent effort grazed the crossbar.
An exciting second half saw the home team take all three points and an important win over a hardworking FC United team.
Written by – Sadie Meakin