Robins' wings clipped as Magpies soar

Kevin Wilson pulled no punches after seeing his Ilkeston FC side lose for the first time this pre-season, going down 2-1 to a Notts County development side at the New Manor Ground this afternoon.

The Robins boss had been impressed by the drive and work ethic in Wednesday night’s encouraging 1-1 draw with npower League One side Sheffield United, who had featured much of their first team squad.

But Wilson felt a similar level of application was lacking and contributed to the defeat against a young Magpies side.

James Reid (pictured) bagged our goal in the closing stages after a host of substitutions brought a stronger finish after a largely disappointing performance.

“The lads who didn’t play from the start against Sheffield United were given a chance as promised but, if I’m being perfectly honest, we were very lacklustre,” said Wilson.

“This was not the Notts County first team (who went to Buxton) so there could be no excuses in that regard, yet we looked disjointed and didn’t keep the ball well. We tried to do things the hard way instead of keeping it simple.

“It was only in the last 10 minutes or so when I made changes that we started to up it, but the performance should have been better.

“I know it’s still pre-season, but a few people need to have a look at themselves and understand that you can’t just turn it on and off – you need to be on it all the time.”

Wilson was also concerned about the injuries picked up in the game, with the likes of Gary Ricketts (dead leg), Jamie Clarke (back) and Laurie Wilson (shoulder) all in the wars.

He added: “This time of the year you don’t want players to be picking up knows and I’m quite concerned in the case of Laurie.

“I’m not too sure how they are just yet, but we will have to look at them before deciding on the squad for Tuesday’s home game against Burton.”