WhiteBallProject » Sat 3 Aug : Ilkeston Town v Harborough Town (friendly) : KO 3pm

Matchman · 29/7/2024 4:57 AM

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Following the cancellation of the Mansfield match, our next and final pre-season match is against Harborough Town.

Harborough were promoted to Step 3 last season after finishing 3rd and winning the playoffs in the NPL Midlands Division. They would have been Champions had they not had six points deducted.

They will be playing in the Southern League Premier Central this coming season

Their record last season was P38, Won 29, Drawn 4, Lost 5,
Their away record was the best in the league P19, Won 15, Drawn 2, Lost 2.

Last edited by Matchman (30/7/2024 6:54 AM)

Matchman · 30/7/2024 7:26 AM

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Harborough Town conceded only 24 goals their 38 league matches last season.
They reached the 2nd round proper of the FA Trophy after beating Lye Town, Hinckley LR, Biggleswade and Avro before losing to Chelmsford City.
In the FA Cup they beat Stamford before losing 2-1 at Tamworth.

kevilsonlad · 30/7/2024 12:31 PM

Hopefully i should be able to get to this game , but i wont stand near their keeper lol

Matchman · 03/8/2024 4:29 AM

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*****MATCHDAY***** Sat 3rd August 24 ***** KO 3pm

Following our excellent performance two days ago against Chesterfield Under 23s, we conclude our pre-season friendlies at the Microlise New Manor Ground today, kick off 3pm

Harborough had a great season last time out and are hoping to continue their rise through the leagues.
They will provide tough opposition as we prepare for the start of the 2024-25 season which is now only one week away.

Last edited by Matchman (03/8/2024 7:32 AM)

Alex · 03/8/2024 9:40 AM

Interesting to see what the starting line up will be. With it being our last pre season game before the season starts.

Hopefully no trailests.

John will you be doing updates because I'm traveling back today so not get chance to make it today.

kevilsonlad · 03/8/2024 11:55 AM

Alex wrote:
Interesting to see what the starting line up will be. With it being our last pre season game before the season starts.

Hopefully no trailests.

John will you be doing updates because I'm traveling back today so not get chance to make it today.

i am going today but i will try not to argue with the keeper today ......lol lol lol

Matchman · 03/8/2024 12:10 PM

Alex wrote:
Interesting to see what the starting line up will be. With it being our last pre season game before the season starts.

Hopefully no trailests.

John will you be doing updates because I'm traveling back today so not get chance to make it today.

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Yes Alex - I will be doing match updates

Matchman · 03/8/2024 12:18 PM

Today's lineup :
1 Mitchell Leivers
2 Tom Shepherd
3 Sam Parker
4 Connor Dixon
5 Tom Marshall
6 Callum Minkley
7 L'Varn Brandy
8 Jonathan Wafula
9 Tom Cursons
10 Harvey Kirby-Moore
11Jamie Walker

12 Koby Eratt-Thompson
14 Akeem Hinds
15 Luke Cox
16 Sacha Markelic
17 Ben Hutchinson

Last edited by Matchman (03/8/2024 12:22 PM)

Matchman · 03/8/2024 12:58 PM

We're off...

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:03 PM

Nice volley from Harborough No 11 but Leivers is behind it.
Goal Harbourogh No 7 gets to the through ball before Leivers, goes round him and slots it home. 0-1 4 minutes

Last edited by Matchman (03/8/2024 1:06 PM)

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:15 PM

Good save by Leivers pushing the shot round the post. Parker's free kick into the box causes problems but Harborough eventually clear. Another big chance for Harborough when the ball crosses Ilkeston's 6 yard line but the Harborough forward can't reach it. 0-0 12 mins

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:16 PM

An angry Tom Marshall is yelling at his players. Water break after 18 mins. 0-1

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:19 PM

Parker replaced by Akeem Hinds on 19 mins, Free kick to Ilkeston on corner edge of area.
Walker takes it and it's in the net. 1-1. 21 mins

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:25 PM

Harborough header from a corner is just too high. Great cross by Harborough No 11 but the header clears the bar. Harborough No 4 scores a scorcher from distance. 1-2 27 mins

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:33 PM

Harborough are looking the better side just now. It's they who are making the better chances. It should have been a 3rd for Harborough. Dixon does well but it's only a corner and nothing comes of it. 1-2 31 mins

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:36 PM

Harborough No. 9 so unlucky as his lob is just too high. Another drinks break on 34 mins. 1-2

Matchman · 03/8/2024 1:45 PM

Hinds replaced by Koby Eratt-Thompson. Harborough are threatening to score on the break and continue to look the stronger side. Great cross by Brandy but no one there to connect.

Half time : Ilkeston Town 1 Harborough Town 2

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:00 PM

Second half is underway.

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:02 PM

Koby's cross should have been turned in but it wasn't. Lucky escape for Harborough. They then go up the other end and score. 1-3 48 mins

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:08 PM

Brandy replaced by Markelic on 54 mins

Another water break on 60 mins

Last edited by Matchman (03/8/2024 2:15 PM)

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:22 PM

Ilkeston can't find a way through the tough Harborough defence. chance for Markelic on the break but he fires high and wide. Similar chance at the other end and that goes wide too. 1-3 68 mins

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:31 PM

Yet another water break on 71 mins. HARBOROUGH KEEPER HANDLES OUTSIDE OF HIS AREA. Cursons takes the kick quickly and puts the ball in the net but the ref dosn't allow it. Marshall retakes and the keeper saves.
1-3. 75 mins

Last edited by Matchman (03/8/2024 2:32 PM)

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:33 PM

HUTCHINSON COMES ON. 1-3. 78 MINS

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:40 PM

. Dixon gets a yellow. Not sure why. May be something he said. Good save by Leivers from a close range Harborough header. Free kick Ilkeston in good position. Walker takes but keeper saves. 1-3 85 mins

Last edited by Matchman (03/8/2024 2:40 PM)

Matchman · 03/8/2024 2:44 PM

Full time 1-3

It's been a wake up call today. Outplayed by Harborough who were the better side.

kevilsonlad · 03/8/2024 5:09 PM

Matchman wrote:
Full time 1-3

It's been a wake up call today. Outplayed by Harborough who were the better side.

Deffo, outplayed us by far . They were at the first ball, second ball you name it they were at it . Our passing most of the time was woeful and i mean basic passing here ..... Their defence were really solid and can you see why , two huge centre backs with one of them having broader shoulders than most of our players have in height ....
I`am you John its a wake up call but like people say its only a pre season friendly...... i hate that saying...
only good to say is that i didnt get into a agruement with their keeper this time lol lol

Last edited by kevilsonlad (03/8/2024 5:10 PM)

Matchman · 03/8/2024 5:46 PM

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All I can say is that Harborough looked a top notch side with several outstanding players. They were better than us on the day but remember we played 3 trialists so it wasn't our full strength side. To be without Yates, Perch, Declan and Robinson makes a big difference.
Harborough must have a real chance of making the playoffs in the Southern League Premier Central.
In my opinion, Dixon and Brandy gave a good account of themselves, the others struggled against the strong opposition on a very warm day.
It's probably not a bad thing to be brought down to earth with a resounding defeat just before the season's opener.

Last edited by Matchman (03/8/2024 10:10 PM)

Alex · 03/8/2024 8:46 PM

Week before the start of the season and we are playing trialists. Don't understand that and if players are on holiday shocking.

These players have already signed contracts.

I maybe being a little harsh but this is a bloody hard league.

Trowell Nicky · 04/8/2024 11:22 AM

Deaks' thoughts ...

https://youtu.be/AQPce1Gp4aQ?si=ZSDBgMxQN4LQHEMQ

Alex · 04/8/2024 7:20 PM

A lot of injuries guys.