Saturday 16th March 2024 – Northern Premier League
Ilkeston Town 1-1 Hyde United
This was a good point for Ilkeston against one of the best footballing sides in the league. The Robins might have won the game near the end but a draw was a fair result after Hyde had much the better of the first half.
Hyde started impressively with some excellent quick passing moves and on 6 minutes Lewis Alessandra’s forced Matt Yates to tip his shot onto the bar. But it was Ilkeston who went ahead against the run of play after Jamie Walker was fouled in the area then scored the resulting penalty on 11 minutes. Hyde hit back immediately and Yates had to save from Shakeel Jones-Griffiths and Manasse Mampala before the equaliser came from Jack Redshaw on 16 minutes. It followed a clever corner kick routine involving several players and ended with Redshaw firing low into the corner of the net. On 25 minutes There were shouts for another Ilkeston penalty when Lindon Meikle was sent tumbling in the area but the offside flag had been raised. A superb Tom Marshall tackle rescued Ilkeston then just before half time Matthew Fearnley had a big chance to put Hyde ahead but fired wide.
Hyde were first out off the blocks for the second half and Redshaw forced Yates into an early save and a minute later Declan Eratt-Thompson had to clear off the line from Redshaw’s header.
Soon after that Fearnley broke free but fired straight at Yates. Then came Ilkeston’s best spell. On 59 minutes a Hyde mistake at the back saw L’Varn Brandy break free before being brought down giving Tom Marshall a free kick opportunity from 30 yards. Marshall’s attempt looked good but flew just wide of the post.
Marshall then had another chance when he got on the end of Eratt-Thompson’s corner but his header was just too high. Connor Dixon’s shot was deflected wide before Hyde had a chance from a free kick right on the edge of the area but Yates made the save. With ten minutes to go Ilkeston very nearly snatched the lead.
Tom Cursons did exceptionally well to force his way into the area and create a chance for himself but his effort was parried by Hyde keeper Jordan Eastham and Meikle following up couldn’t quite get the finishing touch. It was then Hyde’s turn to go close as Yates produced a stunning save to thwart Josh Doherty and preserve a point.
Written By – John Attewell