Ilkeston Town paraded new signing from Worcester City Colin Hoyle as they made the short trip to Coronation Park. Craig Gaunt was unlucky player to make way and their was also a recall for the suspended Liam Walshe with Stuart Copnell dropping down to the bench. Eastwood included ex Robins James Whitehead and Chris Shaw in their starting line up.

Eastwood started the brighter of the the teams and new signing Matt Turner almost set up Peter Knox for an early goal but the Eastwood top scorer could not get his shot on target. Ilkeston however started to make an impression with Mick Goddard proving to be an handful for the well organised Eastwood defence. In the first half he had a good shout for a penalty turned down and forced Bryant into making into making a couple of fine saves. 

After the break the Robins started to take control of what was a dour game played in a poor surface. New signing Colin Hoyle was particularly impressive at the back especially after Steve Chettle had to retire through injury at half time. Eastwood still had their share of the play however and Deon Meikle forced Ross Turner into making two fine saves.

The destiny of the game changed when Stuart Copnell replaced the tiring Nigel Jemson. His extra pace put pressure on the Eastwood defence and it was his cross on 82 minutes which led to Goddard deftly slotting home the ball from close range to give Ilkeston the lead. Goddard had enough energy left to nearly make it two nil minutes when he forced an excellent save from Danny Bryant.