Ilkeston Town vs Gresley Rovers
Gresley Rovers finally broke their recent run of dismal results with a fine 2-1 at the Manor Ground in what was the first of three games the two sides will play in the next month or so.
The Moatmen conceded a quick goal when the Robins scored after just 5 minutes. A through ball from Andy Evans found Chris Freestone who got the better of his marker before putting the ball past Gresley keeper Dale Belford.
However, the visitors gritted their teeth and dug in and begun to get themselves back into the game.
On 9 minutes Gresley had their first chance of the evening when Leon Doughty fired in a fine 30 yard shot that Gavin Saxby did well to hold on to and on 15 minutes Gary White also went close for the visitors but his header, from Leigh Everitt's cross, went just past the post.
On 26 minutes Ilkeston went close to doubling their advantage when a shot from Paul Eshelby skim the cross bar as it went over.
Saxby was called on to prevent the equaliser when Steve Lenagh ran on to a through ball from White but the home keeper was quick to react and just managed to beat the big striker and touch the ball away from danger.
The play swung to the other end and Andy Evans flicked on a throw in, the ball finding its way to Freestone but his volley was put wide of the post.
Gresley got their deserved equaliser on 37 minutes. A cross from White was cleared only to Richard Wardle who had time to choose his spot before smashing in a fine shot into the top corner of the net giving Saxby no chance.
As the first half came to an end Ilkeston had one more try but a free kick from Wayne Bullimore drifted just wide of an upright.
Gresley manager made a change at the break bringing on Carl Francis for Nathan Jones and the visitors could have taken the lead on 54 minutes but the cross bar came to the Robins' rescue. From a White corner Gresley defender Matt Smith met the ball with a ferocious header only for the woodwork to deny him a goal.
On 57 minutes Belford made a superb save to keep his side on terms. Evans had managed to beat Gresley's offside trap before sending in a fine cross that Freestone met with a powerful close-range header and despite going the wrong way Belford somehow got a touch on the ball denying the Ilkeston front man and Jamie Hood swept the ball away from danger.
On the hour a header from Hood into the Ilkeston area seemed to be deflected by a defender and land for Lenagh who's shot from an acute angle went wide.
Gresley finished the game as a competition on 66 minutes with Wardle getting his second of the game. Doughty's quick free kick fed Wardle who coolly as you like lifted the ball over the onrushing Saxby.
Gary's view of the game
"I'm delighted with the three points and the battling performance. I said at halftime that it was going to be a tough derby game.
"I can't remember the last time Richard Wardle scored twice in a game and I'm really delighted for him. He's pleased not only for himself but for his team mates because he's been one of the players who throughout this last tough couple of weeks has been magnificent. Richard's led by example and he's played in several positions for us and he's popped up with a great first goal and then from a quick free kick from Leon Doughty he's scored a second.
"This was the fourth or fifth game on the trot where we've gone behind but credit to the lads they kept their discipline and their shape after a shaky first few minutes and we started to dictate things in midfield. We put one or two good balls into the box and I was disappointed that we weren't getting any one into the box. I had a chat with Steve Lenagh at half time asking him to stay more central.
Dale pulled off another of his world class saves to keep us in the game. It looked a goal all the way and how on earth he pulled that off ? it was a fantastic save ? I looked in disbelief, as did the Ilkeston bench. To me that was the turning point of the game because we went on and scored quickly after that.
"I was nearly on the pitch when Matt Smith nearly scored. He just didn't get enough on the ball and it looped over and hit the cross bar.
"It's a pity that Ilkeston don't get many supporters because the set up here is good. I feel sorry for Phil Stant because he's getting a bit of stick after not winning at home since September.
Ilkeston Town (1) 1
Gresley Rovers (1) 2
Scorers: Freestone 5 (Ilkeston Town); Wardle 37, 66 (Gresley Rovers).
Ilkeston Town: Saxby, Knowles, Jervis, Swinscoe, Holyoak, Bullimore, G Smith, Lyons (O'Connor 69), Evans, Freestone, Eshelby (Laws 75, Thompson 86). Subs not used: Moran, Ghislanzoni.
Gresley Rovers: Belford, Everitt, Cheetham, M. Smith, Hood, Slater, Wardle, Doughty, Jones (Francis 45), Lenagh (Tucker 79), White. Subs not used: Alexander, Barrett, Clarke (gk).
Rovers Star Man: Richard Wardle - who else?
Referee:M Weaver (Warley).
Attendance: 288
