Goal-happy Robins closing in on title
Ilkeston FC’s Academy scholars soared into second place in the Youth Alliance in spectacular fashion this afternoon with a 6-0 away win over Newcastle Town.
The victory, following on from last week’s 7-0 triumph against Stalybridge Celtic, keeps alive our outside chances of snatching the title - and we did it without a recognised goalkeeper.
With Ryan Swift suffering from a fractured eye-socket, midfielder Ross Parker was pressed into service between the posts and manager Kevin Wilson said: “He did really well for us and made two very good saves at important stages of the game.”
Added the manager: “Overall it was very pleasing. Although the pitch was in a decent condition, it was still very wet and I thought we moved the ball around nicely and scored some fine goals.”
The first of these came within the opening five minutes, Josh Onions providing the finishing touch after good approach play from Troy Carty, Josh Wisdom (pictured) and Danny Gordon, and the lead was stretched to 4-0 before half time.
Adam Burton headed in a corner from Declan Harrop, Wisdom cashed in on a defensive blunder and a free kick from the edge of the area gave Gordon the chance to join the growing list of scorers.
Ashleigh Melladay and Carty completed the scoring after half time and the 13-0 improvement in Ilkeston FC’s goal-difference in the past week has not only made them the League’s top scorers, it has given them a chance of taking the title.
FC Halifax Town still top the table with 38 points. But the Robins will overtake them if they win their two remaining games and, if they do, only Gateshead can stop them finishing on top.
If Gateshead win their last three games and Ilkeston FC win their last two, both clubs will finish on the same points ... and it will all be down to goal-difference.
Next up for the impressive young Robins is a home game against Boston United on Friday afternoon and then they finish their programme at Fleetwood next Wednesday.
