WhiteBallProject » Sat 25 Feb '23 : Ilkeston Town v Rushall Olympic : ko 3pm

Matchman · 21/2/2023 9:53 AM

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This match will determine whether we can make a late bid to get into the playoffs. We have to win to have a chance of displacing Rushall in the final playoff position. It would be a big help to have a massive crowd to roar the team on and keep our hopes alive. Please encourage your friends and relations to come down to the NMG. It's certain to be another exciting match and a great atmosphere so you're sure to have a great day.

Alex · 21/2/2023 9:57 AM

Also remember when we played them at there place. They crowded the ref all the time. They had a couple of good wingers if i remember right and a centre half which played for us aswell. Not going to be a easy game.

Matchman · 22/2/2023 4:33 PM

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Unfortunately Rushall sneaked another win last night making it more difficult for us to catch them. We really needed Alvechurch to take points off them but it didn’t happen.
It’s a tall order but we now need to beat Rushall on Saturday then I think we need to get 9 wins from our remaining 11 matches. That would give us 75 points which is normally enough to get into the playoffs. Of course that is a massive ask but while ever there’s a chance there is hope. If we fail to beat Rushall then we have zero chance of catching them.

Rushall beat us at their ground 2-0 in October after what was probably our worst performance of the season. We finished with nine players after Marshall Willock and Dempsey Arlott-John were sent off.

Alex · 22/2/2023 4:42 PM

I forgot about the willock sending off. That is the worst one i have seen this season

Matchman · 22/2/2023 5:00 PM

Alex wrote:
I forgot about the willock sending off. That is the worst one i have seen this season

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From what I remember Alex; Marshall Willock got two yellows for what seemed like very trivial offences. If I remember correctly the second yellow followed a mass appeal by several Rushall players intent on influencing the referee and the ref was indeed swayed by the Rushall players.

That was in the first half. Then in the second half the Rushall players pressured the ref again to get Arlott-John sent off.

Last edited by Matchman (22/2/2023 5:07 PM)

Matchman · 23/2/2023 10:21 AM

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A lot of people including myself have been expecting Rushall to implode but so far it hasn’t happened. They are currently 3rd.
Their overall record is P 31, W18, D5, L8, F58, A38, Points 59.
Their away record is P14, W8, D3, L3, F21, A12, Points 27

They have conceded only 12 goals in their 14 away games so it’s going to be tough to beat them.
Let’s hope that our new look team can give us the victory we need to keep the playoffs dream alive for as long as possible.

According to FootballWebPages, Ilkeston’s playoff hopes will end this Saturday. They have predicted the following results for Ilkeston until the end of the season, 4 wins, 3 draws, 5 defeats ;

25 Feb Rushall (H) lose 0-1
28 Feb Hednesford (A) draw 1-1
04 Mar Bromsgrove (A) lose 0-1
11 Mar Needham (H) win 1-0
18 Mar Royston (H) win 3-0
25 Mar Stourbridge (A) lose 0-1
27 Mar Kings Langley (A) win 1-0
01 Apr Alvechurch (A) lose 0-1
08 Apr Hednesford (H) win 2-0
10 Apr Basford (A) draw 1-1
15 Apr Nuneaton (H) draw 1-1
22 Apr Hitchin (A) lose 0-1

Matchman · 24/2/2023 8:22 AM

Last edited by Matchman (24/2/2023 8:39 AM)

Matchman · 25/2/2023 2:09 AM

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PREVIEW: PICS BOUNCING AS WE HEAD TO ILKESTON
24 February 2023

HOT ON the heels of Tuesday’s victory at Alvechurch, we are back on the road on Saturday as we head to Ilkeston Town (kick-off 3.00pm).
Victory in our last game made it three wins from our last four outings and thrust us into third place in the table.
We now head to an Ilkeston Town outfit who go into the game in seventh place and looking to keep their hopes of making the play-offs alive.
Manager, Liam McDonald, was full of praise for his players following our latest triumph.
“It was a tough game and not a great spectacle for the supporters,” he admitted. “We wanted to go there and be aggressive in our press and use what we had in terms of physical presence to hurt our opponents.
“I was delighted by the manner in which we scored our two goals. Alvechurch is always a tricky place to go to; the conditions were difficult, they are a good team with some talented young players and sit in a false position in the table because of the games in hand they have.
“It was important for us to score early and defend well, which we did. The goal that we conceded was disappointing, but it was all about character and getting what was a massive three points.
“We were missing some big players on the night, but everyone put in a shift and now we need to take this on to Ilkeston.
“There’s a real bounce in our dressing room at the moment; we know that we have to fight for everything we get and we’ll go into Saturday’s game in a positive frame of mind and prepared to work hard.
“We’ve got some big games coming up. We’ve worked hard to get where we are and we’re just enjoying it without the pressure.”
Come and show your support!

Matchman · 25/2/2023 2:42 AM

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DATE: FRI 24 FEB 2023 BY STEVE WHITNEY

Weekend Match Preview : It’s another busy and important weekend of action in the Pitching In Southern Football League.

In the Premier Division Central,
Leaders Tamworth will be hoping for a normality when they host mid-table Bromsgrove Sporting at the CR Mot Centre Community Stadium. The unfortunate incidents in the home game against neighbours Nuneaton Borough in the week caused unwanted headlines for both clubs and the league, and although another big crowd is anticipated, I am sure it will be back to the normal way non-League fans behave in general.
Andy Peaks` side lead the table by five points, whilst the Rouslers are 12th and are in reality looking to finish in a respectable position given their points tally.

Second-placed Leiston’s marvellous season to date sees them involved in two big games in 48 hours, starting with Saturday’s home game against Hitchin Town, who are tenth.Darren Eadie and Chris Wigger’s men gained a good point at fifth-placed Coalville Town last weekend and will be looking to make it ten unbeaten in the league when they host the Canaries who, a bit like Bromsgrove, are seemingly in the situation of finishing as high as possible as they are too far away from the top five and well clear of any thoughts of relegation. Monday sees Leiston visit ninth-placed Redditch United.

Rushall Olympic slipped above Nuneaton into third after they won 2-1 at Alvechurch on the same night that the Tamworth v Nuneaton game was abandoned. Liam McDonald’s Pics face a tricky test tomorrow as they head to the Microlise New Manor Ground to take on seventh-placed Ilkeston Town. The Robins have won their last two matches and scored 6 goals in the process and have a forward in top form in the experienced Leroy Lita.

There’s a gap of nine points between Coalville and sixth-placed Mickleover, who have also plated four more times than the Ravens. Coalville travel to the Trico Stadium to play Redditch, while Nuneaton in fourth, host struggling bottom side AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who are going to need snookers soon if they are to avoid dropping back to Step 4 football. Chris Nunn’s side have lost their last six games and have failed to score in the last five of them.

It’s almost as bad a situation for second-bottom Hednesford Town, who are four points better off than Diamonds but have played two more matches. They welcome 15th-placed Basford United to the Race Stadium on the back of their 1-0 win at Diamonds which just about kept things alive for Danny Glover’s side. Basford lost to the other team who were switched from the Northern Premier League last summer, Mickleover, last weekend but look to have enough of a points lead over the relegation places to relax.

Stratford Town occupy third-bottom spot and have been involved in three crackers leading up to tomorrow’s visit of mid-table Stourbridge to the Arden Garages Stadium. The Bards drew 3-3 with St Ives Town, lost 3-4 to Rushall last Saturday and then scored three without response in midweek against Bedford Town, so there seems little wrong with the top end of the field!

Bedford, meanwhile, are a place and three points in front of Stratford but the Eagles have played three more games. They have Needham Market visiting The Eyrie tomorrow – Kevin Horlock’s team having enjoyed a 5-0 midweek victory in the Suffolk Premier Cup against Felixstowe & Walton United for a bit of a confidence booster. The Marketmen currently sit in 17th place, two points in front of Bedford having played four games less.

Sandwiching Bedford and Needham Market in the table are Kings Langley, who are level on points with the Eagles. They have eighth-placed Royston Town visiting the Orbital Fasteners Stadium tomorrow. A point in front of the Marketmen in 16th are Alvechurch, whose mini run of three games without defeat which lifted them out of the bottom four was ended by Rushall in midweek, travel to the Don Amott Arena on Saturday to play Mickleover.

St Ives Town, who are 13th, welcome Barwell, who are 14th and a point behind, to Westwood Road in tomorrow's other encounter.

Last edited by Matchman (25/2/2023 6:19 AM)

Matchman · 25/2/2023 2:46 PM

Today's teams

Ilkeston Town
1 Hiddlestone, 2 Wilson, 3 Wilder, 4 O'Malley, 5 Delap, 6 Fenton, 7 Campbell. 8 Dixon, 9 Lita, 10 Hallam, 11 Woakes.
Bench : 12 Patterson, 14 Errat-Thompson, 16 Hilton, 18 Thomas, 19 Woodward.

Rushall Olympic
1 Weaver, 2 Green, 3 Mitchell, 4 Fletcher, 5Brown, 6 Whittall, 7 Shorrock, 8 Mantom, 9 Carvalho-Landell, 12 Masidi, 14 Cameron.
Bench : 10 Hilton, 11 Batchelor, 16 Daly, 17 Cook, 18 Ngwa.

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:01 PM

It's kickoff time

Ilkeston start by attacking the car park end.

We're off.........

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:09 PM

First corner to rushall. delap heads clear. Shot by Shorrock goes over the bar. Good defending by Delap. Strong start by Rushall. 0-0 7 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:16 PM

Good play Dixon ends with Ilkeston free kick Rushall eventually clear the danger. Chance for Hallam but keeper saves. Green tries a long distance volley but its too high 0-0 15 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:22 PM

Joe Wilson free kick is missed by every one and goes only just wide. Both teams playing nice football now and its pretty even. Mantom breaks free but Hiddleston beats out his shot. Really good save. 0-0 21 mins

Last edited by Matchman (25/2/2023 3:30 PM)

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:37 PM

Rushall header from a corner is wide, Rushall player booked for foul on Lita. Wilson fouled as he was about to shoot. Free kick in good position. Keeper pushes away Fentons effort Good save. 0-0 36 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:41 PM

Class play by O'Malley. Then Ilkeston header is very close . Now Ilkeston corner. ilkeston on top now. 0-0 40 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:44 PM

Ilkeston corner, Now another corner but it comes to nothing. Its been a good half but few chances. 0-0 43 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 3:59 PM

I didn't see the goal but Lita scored on 45 mins so we lead at half time 1-0.

Half time : Ilkeston Town 1 Rushall Olympic 0

Last edited by Matchman (25/2/2023 4:00 PM)

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:08 PM

We're 5 mins into the second half.

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:10 PM

Really good ilkeston move down the right ends with Hallam 's shot clearing the bar. 1-0 52 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:17 PM

Equaliser for Rushall. Hiddleston got a hand to it but couldn't;t kept out 1-1 59 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:24 PM

Nearly another Rushall goal but we manage to keep out several attempts. Rushall now have the initiative . 1-1 66 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:29 PM

Hiddleston does well to collect under his bar under pressure. Cameron shot is too high. Rushall now looking really dangerous. 1-1 70 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:36 PM

Rushall shot deflects for a corner. A lot of big players in the box for Rushall. Errat- Thompson fouled as he breaks forward at speed. Wilson free kick saved by weaver. 1-1 75 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:43 PM

Better from Ilkeston just now. A couple of good attacks but Rushall looking more dangerous when they get forward. Jack Thomas replaces Woakes. still 1-1 83 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:47 PM

Rushall defender nearly own goals but keeper rescues him. Free kick to Ilkeston in good position. Now its a corner. Fenton header just clears the bar. That was close. 1-1 88 mins

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:48 PM

Big chance for Campbell but he puts it over the bar, To be fair it came to him very quickly.

4 minutes added time

Last edited by Matchman (25/2/2023 4:50 PM)

Matchman · 25/2/2023 4:55 PM

Leroy flattened, nothing given, Rushall are happy with a point. It's finished

Result Ilkeston 1 Rushall 1

Matchman · 26/2/2023 10:15 AM

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DATE: SAT 25 FEB 2023 BY STEVE WHITNEY

Saturday's Premier Division Central Round-Up
It was a good Saturday for the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central leaders Tamworth.

The Lambs edged out mid-table Bromsgrove Sporting 1-0 at the CR MOT Centre Community Stadium and returned to the dressing room to discover that second-placed Leiston had only managed a home draw, so they now possess a seven-point lead, although the Suffolk side have three games in hand. Dan Creaney scored the only goal of the game for Andy Peaks` side 5 minutes before half-time in front of an excellent crowd of 925. Indeed, it was hardly a goal fest today, with only 14 goals coming in the 11 games.There were none at Victory Road where Leiston were held by Hitchin Town, who had Tony Syme sent-off with 8 minutes remaining for a second bookable offence. But the Canaries frustrated the Suffolk hosts to move into ninth in the table. Nuneaton Borough are just a point behind Leiston now, although they have played a game more, after they beat bottom side AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2-1.
A crowd of 557 saw Jimmy Ginnelly’s hosts take a 12th minute lead when, after a fine run by full back Camron McWilliams, Luke Benbow smashed the ball past Dean Snedker in the Diamonds` goal.Nuneaton doubled their advantage with 7 minutes of the first half remaining when a ball over the top found Matt Stenson, who fired home. And even though the visitors `won` the second half with a 66th minute goal from Mitchell White, Boro were relatively comfortable in holding on for the points. Coalville Town leap-frogged Rushall Olympic into fourth spot after they win 1-0 at the Trico Stadium against Redditch United, whilst the Pics were held to a 1-1 draw at the Microlise New Manor Ground by Ilkeston Town. The only goal of the game for Coalville came with 3 minutes of the first half remaining when Tim Berridge nicked the ball of Murphy Culkin before dinking a lovely finish over home keeper Adam Harrison.
A crowd of 602 saw Ilkeston take the lead right on the stroke of half-time through the in-form Leroy Lita, who was on hand to tap home after Jordan Hallam’s initial effort had been saved by Jacob Weaver. The Pics got back on level terms in the 57th minute when Sam Mantom’s drive from 25 yards found the corner of the net via Robins` keeper Callum Hiddlestone's hand.

At the other end of the table, it was a miserable day for Diamonds. As well as losing at Nuneaton, despite a battling display, they found themselves pushed further towards the drop after second-bottom Hednesford Town and third-bottom Stratford Town both picked up points. The Pitmen shared a 0-0 draw at the Race Stadium with Basford United in a game which the outcome was just about right. The Bards also picked up a point from a 1-1 draw at the Arden Garages Stadium against mid-table Stourbridge. A crowd of 727 saw a goalless opening half. However, immediately after the restart, Stratford broke the deadlock when Will Grocott hit an effort from the edge of the area which took a slight deflection before finding its way past Charlie Price in the visitors` goal. But the Glassboys equalised in the 68th minute when Jason Cowley was clear of the Bards` defence before beating Liam O’Brien. Bedford Town dropped into the bottom four as a consequence of their 1-0 defeat at The Eyrie to fellow strugglers Needham Market and Kings Langley’s 1-0 success at home to Royston Town. After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the deadlock was broken just shy of the hour-mark when the Marketmen’s Ross Crane tried to lob Eagles` keeper Lewis Elsomm but his effort didn’t have enough power and Luke Ingram nipped in to tap home what turned out to be the only goal of the game. At the Orbital Fasteners Stadium, Kings Langley gained a crucial three points against the eighth-placed Crows. The home side took a 39th minute lead when Isaac Galliford picked the ball up 25 yards out and fired home into the bottom corner. Royston came mighty close to equalising just 4 minutes later when a Nathan Tshikuna free kick hit the post and flew back out before the rebound was blasted over the bar by Alfie Williams. Alvechurch’s 1-0 defeat at the Don Amott Arena to sixth-placed Mickleover pushed them back towards the danger zone. It looked as though Ian Long’s team were heading for a hard-earned point until the 90th minute when Oli Greaves popped up with Sports` winner. So, the situation at the bottom sees Diamonds five points behind Hednesford with two games in hand. The Pitmen trail third-bottom Stratford by 8 points and they have three games in hand on Bedford, who are two points to the good. Kings Langley have a three-point cushion now on the Eagles, and are level on points with Alvechurch, who have played four games less.Needham Market are now 16th and two points in front of Alvechurch and Kings Langley. The day’s other game saw St Ives Town and Barwell share a 1-1 draw at Westwood Road. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Connor Taylor. And that looked like being the winner – until a wonder strike from Michael Richens earned the Saints a point 7 minutes into stoppage time!

Matchman · 26/2/2023 10:46 AM

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Jamie Ward mentioned yesterday that Lee Tomlin is no longer with us.