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The signing of Anthony Dwyer has boosted our chances of finding the net against rivals Basford United. His game-changing 45 minutes against Shepshed was enough to convince Tris Whitman that he was worth a place in his squad. Dwyer’s impatience to make things happen contrasted with the slow build up and reluctance to have a go shown by some of the other players. At last we have a player with a bit of confidence. 

Last edited by Matchman (27/7/2026 6:07 PM)

All set up for tonight’s action. Kickoff is in an hour.

Is that Ashley Hunter warming up with our players?

I make it 17 players out there in Ilkeston kit.

Last edited by Matchman (28/7/2026 6:10 PM)

No 7 for Ilkeston tonight is Ash Hunter. 

The teams are out. Ilkeston in red.  Basford in blue. 

We're off........ 

 

Last edited by Matchman (28/7/2026 6:45 PM)

Another save by Wilson.   Hunter wins a corner for Ilkeston.  Goal Pharrell Johnson . Th big man heads in the cross. 
1-0.      6 mins

Last edited by Matchman (28/7/2026 6:52 PM)

Basford long throw in goes right into the six yard box but Wilson catches it. Daniel appears to be fouled but the free kick goes the other way.  Dwyer breaks free but Stevens is caught offside.  
Goal Basford cracker by No 10 from outside the area.    1-1.    18 mins
Goal Ash Hunter with an immediate reply for Ilkeston.         2-1.     19 mins

Hawkridge is looking good for Basford.  Hunter finds Seaton  close range  but Keeper blocks his shot.
2-1.   30 mins

Big chance for Basford  Looked offside but shot goes wide when they should have scored.    
2-1.    41 mins

Last edited by Matchman (28/7/2026 7:26 PM)

Much better game than some of the other friendlies with both sides trying to attack. Ilkeston just edging it so far. Plenty of scoring opportunities for both sides. 

Last edited by Matchman (28/7/2026 7:36 PM)

Early chance for Ilkeston but Basford survive the threat. Basford shot goes wide at the other end. 
Att 312
2-1.    52 mins

Good effort by Reason but equally good save by Deeney.  Ilkeston on top just now But Basford counter attack Brings a free kick on edge of area. Great break by Ilkeston deserved a goal. Then a fine save by Deeney. 
Still 2-1       65 mins 

Basford header goes wide. They’re still in this game.  Good effort by Ilkeston No. 14 but Deeney saves.
No 14 with a header but deeney saves again.        2-1    75 mins



Great swivel by Dwyer to create an opportunity but his shot flies over the bar. Dwyer shot blocked. 
Dwyer again but Deeney is on top form.  Goal  Ilkeston announced as Abdulla.       3-1     79 mins


 

Last edited by Matchman (28/7/2026 8:21 PM)

Good effort by Basford No.7 but Wilson makes the save.  Ilkeston playing really well now. They look a very decent team tonight.     4-1     87 mins

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What a remarkable performance and confidence booster. A terrific game to watch with loads of chances created by both teams. Basford were forced to defend in the second half with Saul Deeney pulling off  several outstanding saves. Basford had their chances too and stayed in the game until Ilkeston’s two late goals.. 
Against Barwell and in the first half against Shepshed we looked poor and incapable of scoring but since then we’ve shown considerable improvement. The second half against Shepshed was the start and against Basford last night, the improvement continued and lasted the whole game. Several substitutions were made during the second half with some players taken off then brought back on but it didn’t disrupt Ilkeston’s flow. For sure that was our best 90 minutes of pre-season action. The big strong second half attacking sub no.14 looked decent and would have scored but for being denied by two outstanding saves by Deeney. Ash Hunter played the first half and showed some good skill. Was the Abdulah who scored one of our goals, the player who played for us before?
At last the feeling of apprehension is beginning to fade and we're starting to look and play like a team capable of competing in the Northern Premier. 

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Last edited by Matchman (29/7/2026 6:22 AM)