Ilkeston Line up:-

1. Turner

2. Knowles 4. Swinscoe  5. Lever 3. Jervis

7. Hindley 6. Lucas 9. Walshe  8. Smith  11. adam

10. Jemson 

Subs

12. Thompson for Adams 79 mins

14. Jenkins for Hindley 81 mins

Sub not used 15. Johnson

Ilkeston Town travelled to Brigg knowing that a victory would see them leapfrog over the North Lincolnshire side and to the top of the UniBond League. Both sides were defending unbeaten records the last still standing in the division. The Robins welcomed back David Jervis (pictured left) and Liam Walshe with Marc Laws being rested and Steve Johnson relegated to the bench.

Both sides were aware of the importance of the game and in the early stages there were few clear cut chances and those that did arise went Ilkeston. Steve Adam rounded Steer in the Brigg goal but the keeper recovered to make a tremendous save and after 37 minutes a Ryan Hindley corner was flicked on Nigel Jemson and Paul Smith was inches from giving the Robins the lead.

Ilkeston continued to press in the second half but it was the home side who nearly took the lead when a Thompson free kick was well held by Ross Turner. On 57 minutes Brigg took the lead when Lee Cochrane headed home from  David Betts free kick.

Ilkeston got back into the game almost immediately when Ryan Hindley scored with a terrific volley from six yards. Eight minutes later Ilkeston got the winning goal courtesy of an own goal after David Jervis's excellent low cross was deflected into his own goal by Dan Hope.

The Robins played out the last 25 minutes without looking like surrendering their lead to secure three points which elevated to the top of the league for the first time since the early nineties.

WhiteBallProject Man of the Match - Ryan Hindley (pictured below) - Captured the sheriffs badge on the strength his excellent volley and another all action display. Ryan's was just one excellent display in a fine team performance.

This victory will confirm the progress Ilkeston have made in the last eleven months. Phil Stant has assembled a fine squad of players who have undoubted ability but are also fighting for each other. The 4-5-1 formation seems to be a winning formula with Liam Walshe and Richard Lucas slipping back into their midfield roles with ease. All these factors combined to produce an excellent professional team performance. Ilkeston will now be looking to extend their lead at the top by winning as many games as possible. this will be made difficult because the Robins will be the team other sides want to beat.

League action will have to wait however as Ilkeston are at home to Gresley Rovers in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup this Saturday. Gresley started the season well but dropped down to fourth in the league after their first loss of the season last week. With the Moatmen being local rivals there should be an excellent crowd at the New Manor Ground.

Ilkeston will play Willenhall Town at home next Tuesday unless there no winner in the game against Gresley Rovers.