Ilkeston Line up:-

Ilkeston Town sought to end their miserable run of home form by introducing three new faces to the first team squad. Wayne Bullimore signed from Bradford Park Avenue slotted into midfield and Matt Moran signed from Belper Town and Nick Ghizlanzoni signed from Sandiacre Town made it to the subs bench.

Ilkeston started the game brightly and after four minutes Chris Freestone put the Robins ahead from close range. Unfortunately Ilkeston did not build on this good start and sat back and let Gresley take the game to Ilkeston. After 33 minutes the visitors equalised through veteran midfielder Richard Wardle who pounced on a poor and lobbed the advancing Gavin Saxby.

Ilkeston should have regained the lead when Andy Evans (pictured left) broke down the left and crossed for Chris Freestone to head straight at keeper Dale Belford.

Gresley made the most of their good fortune and on 66 minutes Richard Wardle grabbed his second of the night when he was put through by Leon Doughty's quick free kick. Manager Phil Stant bought on Aaron O'Connor and Marc Laws but Laws only lasted eleven before he was injured and was replaced by Chris Thompson. Despite adopting a more positive approach Ilkeston never really troubled Belford in the visitors goal and Gresley rode out the game and emerged as comfortable victors.

WhiteBallProject Man of the Match - Chris Freestone - One of the few Ilkeston players to emerge with any credit from tonight's game. Worked hard and Ilkeston's only attacking threat.

Just as you thought things could not get any worse! 

This was probably the most dismal performance of Il keston's increasingly erratic season. The Robins looked like a side who did not know what to do to turn the tide. Gresley are not a great side but at the moment any side who visit the NMG have a better than average chance of a victory. Next Tuesday Ilkeston yet another chance to put things right but unfortunately the game is against Bromsgrove who are one of the stronger sides we have faced this season.

More alarming however it is clear that support is dwindling. 288 fans and Gresley bought a sizeable following and if Ilkeston do not win soon that fan base could get even smaller. these are worrying times st the New Manor Ground.