FC United date set after battling draw

Ilkeston FC discovered today that they will now be playing arguably their biggest game of the season at the New Manor Ground next Saturday.

The scheduled fixture on November 10 has had to be postponed because Hednesford Town are still involved in the FA Trophy and the League have informed the Robins that they will instead be at home to FC United of Manchester.

With FC United’s exceptional fan-base, it’s anticipated that the game will attract a significant four-figure crowd and it also means that the Robins will be at home for four of the next five matches.

The trip to Hednesford will now take place on Tuesday November 27.

* Ilkeston FC finally claimed a first away point of the season last night with a tremendous show of character against Evo Stik NPL Premier Division leaders North Ferriby United.

In fact, we came within two minutes of becoming the first team this season to inflict a home League defeat on The Villagers - and we did it without the influential Matt Richards and Ryan Wilson.

Said manager Kevin Wilson: “It was a battling performance and I’m making no apologies for that. We haven’t had enough performances of that type this season - particularly on our travels.

“It was made clear to the players after the defeat at Whitby that we need to get back to basics and work a lot harder and all credit to them for the way in which they responded.

“It was backs to the wall for much of the game but, although Chris Martin saved an early penalty, he wasn’t seriously extended too often after that.”

Wilson paid tribute to his back-four of James Cullingworth, Russell Cooke, Joe Maguire and Russell Peel for the determined way in which they protected Martin until North Ferriby finally snatched an 88th minute equaliser through Ryan Kendall.

Gary Ricketts (pictured), whose strike-partner Jordan Smith had to be replaced by Daryll Thomas at half time because he was ill, had silenced the home fans after 22 minutes when he gave us the lead with his first goal since August.

Admittedly it came very much against the run of play, but Wilson’s men worked wonders to protect the lead and he added: “It was just disappointing not to finish it off after being in front for so long.

“Even so, we have to be pleased with our efforts and it’s really important now that we carry that forward to Saturday’s home game against Kendal Town.

“We showed a lot of character last night and the message to everyone has to be that although we have a lot of good footballers in our club, that counts for nothing unless you work hard.”