Ilkeston Line up:-

Ilkeston Town manager Phil Stant made two changes to the team that disappointed in midweek against Evesham United. Liam Walshe was added to the midfield to replace forward Chris Thompson and Craig Swinscoe replaced the injured David Jervis.

The Robins were looking to avenge two defeats suffered at the the hands of Rugby United already this season and to this end Ilkeston adopted a defensive 4-5-1 formation with Andy Evans operating as the loan striker. The plan worked well and second placed Rugby United found it very difficult to play their normal free flowing game as Ilkeston sat back and stifled the opposition. The defence looked stronger than they have for several weeks and the home side became more disillusioned as the game wore on. Rugby enjoyed the bulk of the possession but were unable to break down a very stubborn Ilkeston rearguard.

On the hour one of the few attacking moves Ilkeston made was rewarded with a goal. Aaron O'Connor made made a strong run down the wing and delivered a low cross which Andy Evans sliced badly. The ball bobbled loose but Michael Lyons (pictured left) reacted quickest to shoot the ball into the roof of the net to give the Robins the lead. Ilkeston could have stretched their lead further seven minutes later when a John Burns freekick was met by Andy Evans but his powerful just cleared the bar. 

However for most of the last thirty minutes it was a case of backs against the wall as Ilkeston's much criticised defence did themselves proud. The nearest Rugby came to equalising was in the dying minutes when Ross Turner pulled off an excellent reflex save from a header. 

Ilkeston though held out and enjoyed a surprise but very welcome three points.

WhiteBallProject Man of the Match - John Burns - A class act in an excellent team performance and just pipped Ross Turner the supporters choice.

Ilkeston's tactics for this game may have not been pretty but three points against the second placed team away from home is an excellent performance. Liam Walshe added strength and grit to the midfield and the defence had it's best game for weeks. Paul Eshelby shoe some of the form that made him such a favourite in his first spell at Ilkeston and Aaron O'Connor was a nuisance to Rugby the whole ninety minutes. John Burns (pictured left)  again showed why he was such a promising player at Nottingham Forest a few years back and Ross Turner pulled off one match saving relex stop and looked comfortable for the rest of the game.

Manager Phil Stant will now be hoping that the Robins can produce another away day upset when they visit Alfreton Town on Tuesday. We all know it's only the Derbyshire Senior Cup but a result would taste sweet against a team that have taken over from Ilkeston has the top non-league side in Derbyshire with a team packed full of ex Robins.