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After two wins we put in a hugely disappointing performance and hopes a decent run of results are dashed. One of Stourbridge’s officials said it was the best they had played. Combine that with probably Ilkeston’s worst performance and there was only one outcome. The truth is, we got off lightly because Ollie Battersby was probably our best performer. It just didn’t happen for us. We failed to test the Stourbridge keeper in the first half. We were unlucky on a couple of occasions in the second half but overall Stourbridge created far more chances and so deserved their win. We needed a goal to lift us but it wouldn't come. 

Why did Jamie Ward take off Declan Eratt-Thompson? He's our most energetic player. 

Great drumbeat support from the small band of Stourbridge fans
 
This is such a tight league that the difference between being near the top or the bottom is only a matter of a few points. After last night’s results we’re still only six points off a playoff position but we’re also only four points from a relegation place. 

 

Last edited by Matchman (26/10/2022 8:40 AM)

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 Tue 25th Oct  2022
 Southern League Premier Central
 Ilkeston Town  0  Stourbridge  2
 A goal in each half saw Stourbridge take the points as Ilkeston’s inconsistency at home continued and the defeat could well have been greater but for some excellent goalkeeping by Ollie Battersby.
 Stourbridge nearly scored in the opening minutes when a defensive mix up allowed Reece Styche to fire a shot that Battersby managed to block. The ball fell to Alex Moore and his effort was then blocked by Kieran Fenton before Ilkeston finally cleared the danger. A couple of minutes later Stourbridge had another chance when unmarked Joe Hull headed wide. Ilkeston by comparison were having plenty of possession but were not seriously threatening to score. Stourbridge went ahead on 30 minutes with a cracking goal from outside the area by Darryl Knights with a shot that gave Battersby no chance. Five minutes before half time Jason Cowley saw Battersby off his line but his lob from a long way out was just off target.
 Ilkeston made a better start to the second half and Reco Fyfe put an early chance just wide of the post. Fyfe was then closer still when his goal bound effort hit a defender and flew over the bar. Stourbridge’s second goal on 64 minutes was controversial in that Fyfe appeared to be fouled in the build up but Cowley kept going and put the ball in the net. An excellent turn and shot by Chris O’Grady was turned over the bar by Charles Price as Ilkeston fought back but Stourbridge always looked more like to add to their tally. Alex Moore and Joel Kettle brought fine saves from Battersby before Ilkeston finally found the net late on through Montel Gibson only to be denied by the lino’s flag.  

 

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On reflection, whilst the Stourbridge defeat was disappointing, I now see that they currently have the 3rd best points total over the last six matches collecting13 points. Only Tamworth and Leiston have a better return.

They were a decent side and deserved to win. I guess we were unlucky to play against them just when they were in a rich vein of form.  

 

Last edited by Matchman (29/10/2022 8:12 AM)