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Despite
being cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd boosted by the infamous Sailor
Boys Ilkeston found it difficult to create any clear cut chances. The
Robins however had most of the early possession but Kidsgrove
defended resolutely and also showed that they could create their
own chances. After 27 minutes Kidsgrove Athletic against the run of play when Matthew Rhead rose unmarked to head home a right wing cross. Phil Stant reacted by replacing the out of touch Mark Clifford with Richard Lucas and pushing David Jervis into midfield. It was not until the final minute of the first half before Ilkeston seriousely threatened the Kidsgrove goal. Ryan Hindley reacted quickly and his flicked on header hit the post and bounced to safety.
The Robins almost went 2-0 down straight after the break when the impressive Rhead forced an excellent save from Ross Turner. Ilkeston still had the bulk of the possession with Gareth Holmes the man behind most of the clever passing moves. However Ilkeston were still finding it difficult to make any impact in the penalty box.
The first clear chance for Ilkeston came after 67 minutes when Mick Goddard was put clear on the left by David Jervis and his pin point cross was headed weakly by Jemson. The visitors were also making chances and Turner was forced to make a number of saves fron long range shots.
The equaliser Ilkeston were pushing finally came after 70 minutes when an excellent Jervis corner was expertly headed home by Jemson. The goal seem to revitalise the Robins and Kidsgrove started to tire and make mistakes.
The game exploded in the 80th minute when Sandeman was adjudged to have fouled Goddard in the box. The Kidsgrove defender showed a lack of discipline and in a fit of rage raised his hand and appeared to strike Goddard in the face. Then a eighteen player brawl ensued and after several minutes consultation the referee sent off Sandeman and booked Jervis. Jemson then stepped up four minutes after the penalty had been awarded to slot the ball to the left of Stuart Heeps. However referee Cooper spotted an encroachment and made Jemson retake the kick. This time he coolly placed the ball to the keepers left. Ilkeston safely played out the five added minutes and Stuart Copnell almost made it three with an excellent run and shot in the dying minutes.
WhiteBallProject Man of the Match - Gareth Holmes (pictured below) – Again another class performance from a tenacious player. Just pipped the immaculate Steve Chettle.
However Jemson who had not looked at his best and had missed an excellent chance midway through the second half made amends with a clever header and a very coolly taken double penalty to secure three valuable points.
The most impressive aspect of the win was not the several excellent individual performance but the way the team stuck together and fought for each other and continued to do so despite the fact nothing seemed to be going right.
As pointed out in the bar after the game Sandeman's red card had echoes that given to Liam Walshe last week. The penalty did seem a touch harsh but if you raise the hands and the red mist descends there is a good chance a red card will follow.
Next week Ilkeston face a tough game against AFC Telford. The Bucks head side are hoping to set a non league record of some kind by bussing in crowds of school children to try and get the crowd over 3000. The Robins however will be more concerned by the absence of Liam Walshe and Mick Goddard (pictured above) through suspension.
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