Ilkeston Line up:-

1. Robinson

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

8. Clifford  6. Walshe  11. Lucas 7. Hindley 

9. Jenkins  10. Jemson

12. Davies for Swinscoe 29 mins

14. Smith for Hindley 73 mins

15. Johnson for Clifford 88 mins

New striker Mick Goddard finally signed for Ilkeston Town as his new team mates attempted to make progress in the Derbyshire Senior Cup at Christchurch Meadow home of Belper Town. It was not long before it was clear that  the arrival of a proven goalscorer may be long overdue.

Ilkeston dominated the first half but missed numerous chances. The Nailers keeper Lee Wilson made a series of excellent to deny the Robins. Firstly after nine minutes he parries a 25 yard shot from Liam Walshe and then after 28 minutes he saved brilliantly from a fierce David Jervis (pictured left) shot. 

However it was not all one way traffic and after 32 minutes Jason Maxwell hit the bar for the home side. Belper started the second half much the stronger ide and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 55 minutes. Ex Robin Anton Foster capitalised on a Craig Gaunt mistake to attack down the right and his far post cross was met by full back Sam Carter to head home. 

Ilkeston strove to get back in the game but continued to have little success in front of goal. The game was put beyond Ilkeston’s reach two minutes from time when Craig Gaunt pulled back Anton Foster just outside the box. Rudi Coleano stepped up and sent a delightfully flighted free kick past the despairing dive of Dan Robinson.

Belatedly Ilkeston had some success in front of goal when Nigel Jemson headed home a right wing cross from ten yards out. The goal was however far too late and the Robins dipped out of another cup competition ruing missed chances.

WhiteBallProject Man of the Match - Justin Jenkins (pictured below)  – Tireless running up front and put himself about. Probably his best game in an Ilkeston Town shirt. Certainly impressed the watching Gresley Rovers officials.