.

Sat 2nd April 2022  Northern Premier League
Cambridge City  1  Ilkeston Town  2
Ilkeston’s automatic promotion chances were given a major boost by this important win against a strong City side who were regarded as one of their toughest opponents in the remaining fixtures. A defeat for the level-pegging rivals, Chasetown, means the Robins have opened up a three point advantage with four matches to play.
The first half saw defences on top. There was an early chance for Mikey Davis as the City  forward benefited from a lucky ricochet but Stern Irvine  got back to rob him. Cambridge defender Yaw Ofosu had a header saved by Saul Deeney before Ilkeston’s first chances half way through the half. First Montel Gibson then Billy Bennett saw fierce shots inside the area blocked in quick succession. Irvine then rescued Ilkeston following a City counter attack before Jared Robson and Connor Barnes saw decent efforts fly wide. The first half ended with Cambridge having had the better chances.
The second half was much more open and Ilkeston showed a marked improvement going forward. Five minutes in, Gibson tested Dan George and Bennett was starting to be threat down the left.  On 57 minutes George saved from Gibson but Zak Goodson was there to slam home the loose ball. Ilkeston had been on top and deserved their lead but City were to strike back through Ryan Ingrey. Two minutes later Ilkeston were ahead again when Gibson’s low shot went in off the post. Gibson had a further chance following a quickly taken free kick but his shot was blocked. Ingrey had an opportunity for City but was thwarted by Irvine then Remaye Cambell had an effort from a tight angle tipped over by George as both sides looked for the next goal. With nothing to lose Cambridge made a late press and Saul Deeney was called upon to tip over a fine effort from Issac Maynard in added time.