Ilkeston Town gave a surprise recall to Chris Thompson (pictured left) for their first home night kick off in the league since September 2004. Thompson replaced the injured Mick Goddard and Ryan Hindley also got a welcomed call up to the starting after turning down a move to AFC Telford this week to replace the departed Stuart Copnell.  

Spalding United were looking to pick up points to left them higher than their present position of fourth from bottom but it was Ilkeston who look the brightest in the opening stages of the game. After 12 minutes Thompson was fouled in the box and much to the disgust of the visitors defence Ilkeston were awarded a penalty. Nigel Jemson stepped and sent the keeper the wrong way but unfortunately put the ball the wrong side of the post.  

The Robins suffered a blow on 20 minutes when Colin Hoyle limped off with a groin injury to be replaced by Craig Swinscoe. The change did not affect the game too much as seven minutes later Ilkeston took the lead with a bizarre goal. A deep cross from David Jervis bounced goalwards and both defenders and attackers alike hesitated. Eventually a Spalding defender reacted but too late to keep the ball out and he only managed to head the ball into the roof of his own net. Both Jemson and Thompson broke away celebrating the goal but the after match analysis left Jemson with the credit.  

Ilkeston continued to dominate proceedings as they searched for a second goal before the break. However Spalding defended stoutly and appeared happy to reach half time only a goal down. After the break the Robins started to attack with greater urgency with Hindley prominent in the best moves. He fired a series of excellent crosses and corners but each time there was no Ilkeston forward able to get the telling touch.  

After 73 minutes Hindley was forced off with cramp and replaced by Pat Lyons. With this change Ilkeston’s attacking thrust declined somewhat although they still had chances to increase their lead. Lyons combined well with Chris Dolby but another effort was just past the post.  

Ilkeston thought they had increased their when the impressive Gareth Holmes broke through and his deflected shot beat the keeper but hit the post and rebounded across the goal to safety. Manager Phil Stant introduced new signing Lawrence Hall into the fray and he forced the Spalding keeper into a fine save.  

As full time approached Spalding seemed to run out of steam and Ilkeston ran down the clock comfortably defending their one goal lead.

WhiteBallProject Man of the Match - Steve Chettle  (pictured below) – Another impressive performance at the back. Just pipped Gareth Holmes.

Ilkeston totally dominated this game against an unadventurous Spalding side who seemed keep pleased to lose just 1-0. Ilkeston Town were not for the first time this season unable to convert their territorial advantage into goals or for that matter clear cut chances. There were spells were the confidence seem to be draining from the team and the ability to play a string a passes has eluded them.

Luckily for Ilkeston the defence was rock solid with Alan Davies, Chettle, Swinscoe and Jervis looking comfortable throughout the game. In midfield Holmes had another excellent game in a style reminiscent of Archie Gemmill and Ryan Hindley provided width and some excellent crosses. Upfront however the Robins were left wanting. Thompson looks like a striker who has not played in the first team for months and Jemson still has a deft touch but has more and more difficulty being asked to chase long balls. Manager Phil Stant will be hoping Mick Goddard recovers quickly to give him more options upfront.