Wilson sticking with his principles

Kevin Wilson insists there is no need to change his footballing philosophies as Ilkeston FC gear up to host Belper Town tomorrow in an all-Derbyshire FA Cup second qualifying round tie tomorrow.

The Nailers visit the New Manor Ground with the Robins having lost their last four League games - all by a single goal - a sequence split in two by a 1-0 FA Cup first qualifying round win at Coalville Town.

But the boss is adamant there is no need for a major overhaul so long as his team can tidy things up ‘in both boxes.’

“There was a good vibe at training last night and we remain confident, even if we have not had the best of starts,” said Wilson.

“The fact is that every game we have lost has been by the odd goal and if we had put away our chances and not had sloppy moments at the back, we could have started like we finished last year.

“There is certainly nothing in this League that scares me after our promotion and certainly no need to try anything different.

“The game against Belper is a great one in terms of taking us away from the League programme and giving us the chance to get moving forward again.”

Wilson reached the FA Cup quarter-final three times as a player with Ipswich Town, Chelsea and Derby County, only to be knocked out on each occasion after a replay.

He knows that is an unrealistic ambition for his current charges, but he is no less keen to see us enjoy a successful cup run.

“The FA Cup still gives me a big buzz, just like it did as a player,” said Wilson. “It’s a big competition, especially because it is a new experience this season for us. As a player I never got beyond the quarter-final, but I would certainly take that here!

“If we can get to the first round proper then that would be the equivalent to reaching the FA Cup Final for us and anything else would be a bonus.”

Right-back Chris Jones, who missed Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Frickley Athletic. could be back in contention tomorrow, along with central defender Greg Pearson.

But the absence of experienced duo Gary Ricketts and Russell Cooke (pictured) is almost certain to continue – and they could miss next Saturday’s FA Trophy game at Stourbridge too.