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After beating Workington on Feb 8th we were reasonably well placed for a playoff challenge. Three weeks and five matches later we look like we've blown it . A defeat at Hyde started the rot. We then got what seemed a good point at Guiseley but followed it up with a loss to Stockton at home. We then had an excellent opportunity to get maximum points against Blyth and Prescot. At bottom of the league Blyth, we could only draw. Next up is Prescot who haven't won an away game in five months. Again all we get is draw. But even after those disheartening results we're still only five points behind Stockton who are in the final playoff position and we have a game in hand.

​It's disappointing to hit a blip at this point in the season but let's not forget that we're still 6th in the table which is far better than local rivals Matlock, Mickleover and Basford who are all fighting to avoid relegation.



 

The return game against Stockton is vital for Ilkeston’s chances of getting in the play offs. However like other teams in contention they may also be hoping that they do not have to cope with life in the National League North. Looking at this season in the National North all the promoted teams have found it hard work. Perhaps the best case scenario is to get to a play off final and fail gloriously rather than win and spend a season struggling. Maybe the club know this and may have to admit that the club is not ready for promotion yet! However I could be wrong and we reach the play-offs and cruise through to promotion and go straight up to the National League!