Midfielder targets Fylde for comeback

Laurie Wilson is confident he can win his battle for fitness ahead of Ilkeston FC’s Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division bow at the New Manor Ground on Saturday.

We play our first, eagerly-awaited competitive game at the higher level against fellow newly-promoted side AFC Fylde.

Midfielder Wilson has missed a large chunk of pre-season after separating his shoulder in a friendly fixture against League One Notts County.

But the 27-year-old is desperate to return against the Coasters - and hopes boss Kevin Wilson will back him, even though he may be lacking a little in match sharpness.

“It’s never easy for anyone to be watching on from the sidelines, but I am the most frustrated person in the world when I am injured,” said the former Harrogate and Alfreton man.

“I went in for a challenge and collided with three of their players and I think it might have been the awkward landing that caused a problem.

“I’ve had to rest and have treatment on it - to manage it as best I can. You don’t want to miss any games because then you can drop out of a manager’s plans, but it has been a necessary evil.

“I don’t want to be missing the game on Saturday and I’ll be putting myself forward, but obviously it’s down to Kevin if I start and, if I do, how much of the game he feels I can get through after not doing all of the pre-season training.”

The play-off final victory over Leek Town to finish last season was watched by an excellent crowd of 1,670 and Wilson is hoping the fans come back in their droves to back us throughout 2012-13.

He said: “If we could get a four-figure crowd to start the new season that would be terrific. If the fans get behind us, it does give you that extras bit of confidence.

“But obviously it’s a two-way thing. It is up to us as players to make sure we put on a show so that the supporters keep wanting to come through the gates.”