Robins bid to set up Gresley tie

Kevin Wilson has urged his Ilkeston FC team to go and ‘finish the job’ when they make the short trip to Belper for their FA Cup second qualifying round replay tomorrow night.

We visit Christchurch Meadow having shared a 2-2 draw with the Nailers at the New Manor Ground on Saturday after trailing 1-0 and then leading 2-1.

Wilson (pictured) felt we played enough good football and created enough chances to have ‘put the game to bed’, only to see his side once again concede sloppy goals.

He hopes the penny will drop as the Robins look to set up a third qualifying round tie at home to Gresley, which would be played on Saturday October 6.

“The performance was very good at times, but we are just having spells in games at the moment where we are being punished,” said Wilson.

“I understand that it is difficult to play well for the full 90 minutes, you are going to have points where you dip a little.

“But you have to battle through those spells and come out of the other side, which we aren’t quite managing right now.

“I thought when we got down the sides of Belper and passed it between them we had them in trouble and that’s what we have to try to do more of - keep moving the ball around.”

Wilson handed a debut at the weekend to Aaron Hooton - a striker signed from Basford United - and he got through a full 90 minutes.

The manager said: “I thought he did well. It's not easy to ask him to move straight up from Step 7 but he's a big lad who handled himself well in the physical challenges and showed some ability on the ball.

“We know he can score goals because he’s been the top scorer in the East Midlands Counties League with 11 this season and a lot of clubs were interested in him.

“Ilkeston FC are all about giving people opportunities and he has a great chance to prove he can step up and make an impact.”

Once again, we are likely to be without a whole host of regular first teamers at Belper, with Gary Ricketts (ankle), Russell Cooke (thigh), Greg Pearson (knee), Laurie Wilson (shoulder) and Ryan Wilson (dead leg) all struggling.

However, Chris Jones, who has been absent with tonsillitis, has a chance of returning, although he won’t be risked if there are any doubts at all.

“While the FA Cup is important to us, the league has to be our priority and I want players fit for that,” said Wilson.