Wilson apology after Rangers setback

Kevin Wilson has apologised to Ilkeston FC fans who travelled to last night’s 2-1 defeat at Stafford Rangers as the search for an away League victory goes on.

We travelled to the Marstons Road Stadium bidding for a record-breaking fifth consecutive victory, having enjoyed a number of recent cup successes followed by a 1-0 home win at Stocksbridge Park Steels at the weekend.

But the team could not sustain their form in Staffordshire as two goals from Simon Everall saw us fall 2-0 behind and though Jack Watts (pictured) pulled one back as Wilson switched to 4-3-3 in a bid to salvage something from the game, an equalising goal proved elusive.

It was a fifth straight defeat in the League on the road and left Wilson frustrated after believing his troops had turned a corner.

“We took a good following up to Stafford and I can only say sorry for those who made the journey for the way we played,” said Wilson.

“It is not good enough. The players didn’t work hard enough and we have to go two goals down before we put work and effort into it.

“We didn’t get up to anywhere near the levels we have been playing at in recent weeks. Some players have to take a look at themselves - I do constantly, to see the areas where I can improve - because they need to take some responsibility.

“It’s about what they do off the ball as well as on it. We have to pass the ball better and play as a team, not as individuals.

“The first goal was a soft one to concede early on - scoring from an acute angle when we had players covering in the middle - and then we are chasing the game. We have to deal with it better.

“At the moment we are saving our performances for the cups and not the league, but we can’t afford to do that because the league is important.”

Controversy reigned at the start of the second period when any hopes of a swift visiting equaliser where killed by a second Stafford goal that Wilson was adamant was not over the line.

He added: “We had the two best chances in the first half after their goal, both one-on-ones, and missed them and then at the start of the second half there was the goal that never was.

“Ashley Timms made a good save, the ball came back out and another shot came in which Ryan Wilson cleared off the line and said the ball was nowhere near going over - and I’ve watched the DVD, which confirms it in my mind.

“I always say you can’t blame referees and we know the performance wasn’t good, but that decision was embarrassing.”

Wilson said it is too early to know if injured players will return for Saturday’s FA Cup tie – or if he will be tempted into ringing the changes.

“I am going to have to think long and hard about the team I put out for the FA Cup game at AFC Fylde,” said Wilson. “We will see where we are come the weekend and who is available.”

* Two games postponed because of recent cup successes have now been rearranged. Our visit to Ashton United will take place on Wednesday November 21 while we will host Buxton on Monday December 3. Both games will kick-off at 7.45pm.