Robins to fight on through injuries

“It’s all hands on deck” ... that’s the battle-cry from Kevin Wilson as Ilkeston FC begin their countdown to a Bank Holiday weekend that will help to shape their season.

The Ilkeston FC boss is having to contend with a crippling injury list with no less than five members of his squad highly doubtful from tomorrow’s trip to Nantwich and also unlikely to be available for Monday’s attractive home derby with Eastwood Town.

Laurie Wilson (shoulder), Ryan Wilson (groin, pictured) and Daryll Thomas (hamstring) are certain non-starters and the manager says that the chances of Russell Cooke (dead-leg) and Joe Maguire (foot) playing are no better than 50-50.

He said: “It’s not an ideal situation at any time, but it certainly isn’t when you are heading into two games in three days and still trying to set up your season.

“But as always in this situation, it will give others the chance to show what they can do and I really hope people see it for what it is ... an opportunity to press their claims for a regular place.

“It’s bound to be a case of all hands on deck because we don’t have a massive squad and there are likely to be chances for the likes of Ellis Storey and Mike Williams, who might not have been expecting to figure at this early stage of the season.”

Nantwich, 5-0 winners away to Matlock on the opening day of the season, are sure to provide stiff opposition tomorrow and Wilson is urging his men to raise their games - and confirm that the Premier Division holds no fears for them.

He said: “We really didn’t do ourselves justice against Fylde or Rushall and that’s very disappointing. In fact, it’s very similar to the way we started last season when we could have been 2-0 down before we scored against Goole and then lost in the midweek fixture at Sutton Coldfield.

“But we hit back strongly from there and hopefully the pattern will be the same this season. I’m certainly looking for a reaction from the players at Nantwich and the main thing is to see them demonstrate plenty of drive and hunger.”

Please note that Monday’s appetising clash with Eastwood Town at the New Manor Ground kicks off at 3pm.