One of them places where I never have to go again

We're here after a long Taxi ride.
Quite a number of Ilkeston supporters have braved the weather. 
It's only light drizzle at the minute as we approach kickoff time.
The stand is located behind the goal so not the best view.

Last edited by Matchman (19/7/2025 1:53 PM)

Chuckle wrote:

Is AJ Greaves Injured?

I've heard he wont be available for a while
 

We're off......   Ilkeston are defending my end

Brandy fouled on the run. I think it's Fox with an injury after an awkward landing.  He's left the field. 
0-0.     15 mins

Free kick to Carlton in good position after foul by Parker.  Parker then blocks the free kick.  Brill save by keeper from Brandy.  Ilkeston corner but nothing from it.      0-0.     22 mins .......and we have a drinks break
 

Last edited by Matchman (19/7/2025 2:24 PM)

ilkeston corner -  Thornhill to take. Parker on the end of it but his effort is wide.   Sam Parker is injured now.  It's a full blooded game.  Parker is back on now.  Thornhill is seeing plenty of the ball. Another Carlton corner and the shot is very close - just too high.       0-1.      38 mins

,

Half time.   Carlton 1 Ilkeston. 0

We're underway again with some changes.....

Last edited by Matchman (19/7/2025 3:02 PM)

Only 2 shots on goal so far

There was a bust up following the goal. Don't know what that was about.  Steven is brought down as he nears goal.  Carlton defenders don't mess about.      0-2       62 mins

Walker gives Stevens a chance but Carlton keeper is too good. Bit better by Ilkeston just now.  Walker header goes wide.       0-2.    80 mins

Well put it this way .... The cheese burger with onions was very nice .


   The match ...... No comment

Not good today. For those who can remember the Wimbledon team of the 80s with Vinnie Jones, that was Carlton. Big, physical, high tempo, don't give you a second on the ball. Very, very physical, lots of challenges on the limit. Boy, they don't take prisoners. Hope Robbie Fox is not seriously injured, looked to be in a lot of pain when he went off. Taken to A&E apparently. Felt like Carlton were treating it like a league game. And we simply couldn't cope. It's back to the days of being worried every time a ball comes into our box. Difficult to find positives to take from the game, although Matt Thornhill is clearly a class act, skilful, and he got stuck in, as did Sam Parker. You get all sorts of different tests in a season, and this was an excellent test. Big learning curve from today, certainly lots for Deaks to think about.

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We were outplayed by a very physical Carlton side and it certainly didn't go to plan as far as we were concerned. We picked up injuries and Sam Essien's red card means he'll probably miss the opening games.  The plan was to test the players against a more physical side and Carlton were certainly that and they dominated the game. We started with a strong eleven :
1. Dylan Wharton 2. Callum Minkley 3. Sam Parker 4. Matty Thornhill (c) 5. Tom Marshall 6. Tyler Whyle 7. L'Varn Brandy 8. Connor Dixon 9. Robbie Fox 10. Colin Daniel 11. Dylan Youmbi.  
The early injury to Robbie Fox didn't help but we could have gone ahead when L'Varn Brandy’s shot was brilliantly saved. Sam Parker, Matt Thornhill and Tyler Whyle all did well in my opinion but after Brandy's effort, we never really troubled Carlton's excellent keeper who took charge of everything in his box. 

Of the players who came on in the second half, Jason Law was most involved and looked decent and Favor Osaghae showed some much needed aggression.

Ilkeston's performance was disappointing for the fans who travelled but there's another 3 friendlies to come and plenty of time before the season proper.