Reid strike provides Trophy joy

James Reid applied the finishing touch to an excellent week's work for depleted Ilkeston FC as they chalked up a 1-0 success this afternoon against Stourbridge in the FA Trophy.

Reid volleyed home a cross from Daryll Thomas six minutes after the break and that proved to be enough to overcome a side currently sitting in second place in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier and beaten only once before this season.

It was a tremendous effort from the young Robins, who were still without the likes of Gary Ricketts, Russell Cooke, Laurie Wilson, Ryan Wilson and Chris Jones.

And delighted manager Kevin Wilson said: "We've won the game, kept a clean sheet and dominated the proceedings after half-time against a team that have been doing well this season."

Wilson felt his men were hard done by when a well-worked set-piece move led to Jack Watts hitting the bar. He said: "We felt that the ball had bounced down behind the line but it wasn't given and in that situation, you just have to get on with it.

"We huffed and puffed in the first half without really getting the ball down and playing as we can and Ashley Timms kept us in it at that stage with a number of good saves.

"But once we got in front, I never thought there was any danger of us not winning and we ought to have won far more comfortably than the scoreline suggests.

"It's been an excellent few days for us. I'm pleased for the supporters who turned out in force again and the wins against Belper and Stourbridge will generate some revenue for the club.

"The lads have good cause to be pleased with their efforts. These results can only boost confidence and having strung together a three-match unbeaten run, it's really important that we keep that going."