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Valerie Park, home of Prescot Cables, will be a new ground for many ilkeston supporters so here are a few pictures

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Last edited by Matchman (25/10/2024 8:34 AM)

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There are two things we haven’t been able to do this season in league matches 
   
Win consecutive games 
Keep a clean sheet
 
All games in this league are tough and Prescot away is no exception but if we play like we did at Mickleover, Worksop and Hereford, then we have every chance of a 4th away win.


 

Last edited by Matchman (25/10/2024 3:05 PM)

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PRE-MATCH INFO. :  CABLES v ILKESTON TOWN
by ROY MCDONALD

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to The Auto Safety Centre
Stadium for this afternoon’s Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier
Division match with Ilkeston Town.
We especialy welcome the oficials, players and supporters from Derbyshire who
have made the trip to be with us today.
Footbal is a series of highs and lows. We went from a magnificent high with our
victory at Worksop to a disappointing low, with defeat at home to Morpeth last
Saturday. Hopefuly, we can bounce back to a high, today, although Ilkeston wil
present a formidable chalenge to us.
It was tremendous to see an attendance of more than 950 inside the ASC last
Saturday. It’s just a shame that we couldn’t get a result against a wel-driled Morpeth
side. However, it is not so long ago that our attendances averaged around 100, so
it is a mark of how far we have come, as a club, in a few short years, that we no
longer consider it extraordinary to attract nearly a thousand people for a routine
league game.
But increased attendances bring with them increased demands and, once again, I
would like to thank the ‘team-behind-the-team’ - al our wonderful volunteers who
make sure that each game goes ahead and passes off safely. Without them, we
would simply not have a club to enjoy. We are always on the lookout for extra
volunteers, for matchdays and non-matchdays, so if you are able to spare a few
hours to help out, please get in touch.
We want Prescot Cables Footbal Club to be at the heart of our comunity. We want
to represent, and reflect the town of Prescot and the Borough of Knowsley. Looking
back through old Cables programmes recently, I noticed how they included many
advertisements for local businesses. In contrast, our current matchday programme
carries no advertising for businesses based in and around Prescot. I think this is a
shame and is something that we should look to change.
Advertising in the programme is a great way to support the footbal club and,
because downloads of our digital programme are increasing, your message wil get
greater exposure. If you are a local business or organisation, and would like to have
a regular spot in our programme, please get in touch at media@prescotcables.com
Equaly, we stil have a number of spaces available for additional pitch perimiter
advertising boards. If you own a local business, please get in touch to discuss our
packages. If you work in a local business, ask your boss to consider supporting the
club, through a sponsorship package!
Running a footbal club is an expensive business, and the news of the problems at our
fellow league sides Blyth Spartans and Bamber Bridge, throws into sharp focus the
realities of operating a football club at our level. We sincerely hope that solutions
can be found at both clubs to ensure their continued operation.
In this week’s squad news, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Charley
Doyle and Finlay Heath for their eforts this season in the Amber and Black. Both
players have been recalled by their parent clubs from their loan spels with us.
Charley has returned to Marine, after making 13 appearances, whilst Finlay has
gone back to Southport after 6 games for Cables. Good luck for your futures, lads.
Enjoy the game!


TODAY’S OPPONENTS
Town Club History
The town of Ilkeston on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border has had a long,
but turbulent football history. They are now on their fifth side to have played
senior footbal in the town, and have yo-yo’d between the North and the South!
Football was first brought to Ilkeston’s Manor Ground in 1882, by the original
Ilkeston Town FC. They played in the Midlands Footbal League until their
disbandment in 1903, with the club’s best season being runners-up in 1898–99,
one point off champions Doncaster Rovers.
In 1904, a new club, Ilkeston United was formed. This side competed in the
Midland League and FA Cup for many years before, themselves, disbanding in
1928.
After the second world war, a new club - also named Ilkeston Town - was
established. At first, the club competed in local football, not joining the senior
Midland League until 1961.They became Midland League champions in 1968 and
spent two years in the Southern Footbal Leaguein the early 1970s.
When the Midland League merged with theYorkshire Football League to form
the Northern Counties East League in 1982, Ilkeston Town became founder
members of the new competition and entered the Premier Division. After
finishing bottom of the league in 1986, they joined the Central Midlands League.
In 1990, they joined the West Midlands (Regional) League, and four years later
they became champions, securing promotion back to theSouthern League.
During this time, the club oversaw its transition to the New Manor Ground in
1991, where football has been played ever since.
When the non-league pyramid was restructured in 2004, Town were placed in
the Northern Premier League First Division, winning promotion to the Premier
Division at the first attempt.
Paul Hurst and former Rotherham United team mate Rob Scott were appointed
joint managers of the Northern Premier League outfit in January 2009, folowing
the departure of David Holdsworth to Mansfield Town. In May 2009 they won
the league’s play-of final to secure a place in the Conference North.
They finished 8th in their first season in the Conference North, but part-way
through their second season the club was liquidated due to a large unpaid tax bil.
In 2010, two months after the liquidation, a new club was formed - as Ilkeston
F.C. - and were admitted into theNorthern Premier League Division One South
in May 2011.
The new club won promotion at the end of its first season by beating Leek Town
2–0 in front of 1,670 supporters in the play of final after finishing 3rd behind
runaway winners Grantham Town. The Robins suffered a bad start to their
2012–13 campaign winning only two games in their first seventeen, although a
turnaround later on in the season saw them pick up a further thirteen victories,
which led them to a mid-table finish in their first season in the Northern Premier
League Premier Division.
However, in June 2017 the club was wound-up, folowing a hearing at Liverpool
Crown Court, with the club £14,438 in debt.
In July 2017 a new club, - the 3rd to carry the name Ilkeston Town F.C. - was
founded by Notts County chairman Alan Hardy.
Ilkeston Town were admitted into the Midland Footbal League, as a late entry
for their inaugural season, and were allocated a place in Division One.
In their first season, Ilkeston finished 2nd in the league on 95 points, 15 behind
runaway league champions Walsal Wood, to gain promotion to the Midland
Footbal League Premier Division.
The 2018–19 season would be much more successful for the Robins as they
clinched the Midland Footbal League Premier Division title on 27 March 2019
and to earn their second promotion in two seasons as a club. They won the title
in style, beating Loughborough University 8–1 on the final day of the season,
pipping Walsal Wood to a spot in Step 4 on goal diference.
The club joined the Northern Premier League, Division One South East for the
2019-20 season.
On 16 October 2019, Alan Hardy sold the club to, then, Manager Mark Clifford.
A month later Clifford announced a restructure at the club. As part of this
restructure, the club appointed Martin Carruthers as Manager, reuniting him with
Clifford with whom he had worked at Basford United F.C.
Folowing the restructuring of the footbal pyramid before the 2021-22 season, a
new division was created at step 4, resulting in Ilkeston Town transferring to the
Northern Premier League, Division One Midlands.
In November 2021, Mark Cliford announced he was to step down from his role
as chairman and hand sole control of the club to local businessmen, David Hilton
and Andrew Nally, whom had helped oversee extensive improvements to the
club’s ground, including the instalation of a state-of-the-art 3G pitch, with further
plans in place to expand and renovate the New Manor Ground facilities.
Ilkeston Town won the newly created Northern Premier League - Division One
Midlands title for the 2021–22 season, gaining the team automatic promotion and
on 13 May 2022, the FA’s National League System allocated Ilkeston Town F.C.
to the Southern Footbal League Premier Division, Central for the 2022-23
season.
In January 2023 David Hilton stepped down as Club chairman to pursue a new
opportunity, leaving the club to Andrew Nally, who remains club Chairman.
Andrew continues to deliver sustainable football and is establishing strong
foundations for the club to grow. Andrew has a strong club ethos and plan, with
supporters seeing continual improvements both on and of the pitch. Andrew has
a strong vision, supported by local people in the community.
After just one season in the Southern League, finishing 7th, Ilkeston Town
transferred back to the Northern Premier League, again, for 2023-24, being
placed in the Premier division, and finishing in a respectable 11th position. Fans
favourite Ian Deakin was now in the managers hot seat. Ian had been
fundamental in the club’s early success in the MFL, when he was player/assistant
Manager. Ian was joined by Craig Swinscoe, Adam Campbell and Benjamin
Hutchinson, who make up the fab 4.
The club boasts over 400 junior members, a thriving ladies section and a veteran
team, making up the Ilkeston Pyramid. Ilkeston remains the biggest football club
in Derbyshire and is proud to hold the two-star England accreditation status.
The club was recently awarded a grant from the Trident leagues to worktowards
three-star accreditation by establishing an inclusion group. The club continues to
work within its community and sees itself as the key focal point inthe area.
Ilkeston Town is the heart of the Ilkeston Community and is now a place people
visit for far more than just footbal.
Win If You Can, Lose If You Must, But Always Try Your Best!


WHO’S WHO FOR ILKESTON TOWN
Matthew Yates - Goalkeeper
Shot stopper, Yates, joined the Robins folowing the conclusion of our 2022/23
campaign.Matthew is an excelent shot stopper and has become a favourite with
home end supporters. Matthew represented the Robins in the NPL 23/24 team of
the season and was voted fan and players player of the season.
Mitchel Leivers – Goalkeeper
Mitchel is only 20 but is already showing mature characteristics for such a young
goalkeeper. His handling is exceptional and is quick to release the bal from either his
hands or feet, putting the Robins quickly on the ofensive.
Sam Parker – Defender
Sam signed for the Robins in September 2023 folowing his former Manager Ian
Deakin to the Microlise New Manor Ground. Sam is a hardworking full back and
brings competition to a strong back four. Sam is very competitive and has a great eye
for a cross-field pass.
‘Junior’ Colin Daniel – Defender
An experienced player, Colin joined the Robins a day before the start of 24/25 season
as a free agent, having been released by NPL team Worksop. Colin boasts 500 games
in a playing career spanning two decades. Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi
signed Daniel for a “five-figure sum” in July 2007 giving his chance in league footbal.
A common statement made by management throughout Daniel’s career is he offers
pace, energy and creativity. Welcome to the Robins.
Thomas Marshall – Defender
A versatile utility player Tom, joined the Robins from Loughborough Dynamo in
October 2023. Tom is well known at Ilkeston Town having had successful spels in the
past. Tom was born in the town and is known for his incredible sense of humour and
wil be a great addition to the Robins dressing room. Tom had an outstanding end to
the 23/24 campaign with supporters thinking he may have won player of the season if
he’d played al season.
James Perch – Defender and Club Captain
A true professional of the game. In a career spanning 20 years which boasts over 500
senior games, for teams such as Newcastle United, Notts Forest, Wigan, QPR,
Scunthorpe and Mansfield Town, James is simply a model pro. The man simply loves
his footbal and is one of those genuine good guys in the game. His reading of play is
exceptional and is seen as an outstanding role model to our younger players.
Connor Brown – Defender
Connor joined the Robins in the summer of 2024, to bolster the right side of
defence. Connor boasts an impressive playing career, playing professionaly with
Oldham and Carlisle. With nearly 300 league appearances under his belt, Connor
brings experience to a youthful Robins team.
Mitchell Robinson – Defender
Mitchell known as the “Juiceman” joined the Robins in the summer of 2024 to add
height at the heart of the Robins defence. An absolute colossus of a man who wins
everything in the air. Mitchel wil bring height, composure and experience to the
Robins backline.
Koby Eratt-Thompson – Defender
Younger brother of Dec, Koby is being nurtured by the management of Ilkeston
Town, who see huge potential in him. Koby recently represented Chesterfield in the
FA trophy and received glowing reports. An extremely versatile player, with several
positions already in his locker.
Lindon Meikle – Midfielder
Lindon signed from Tamworth on a dual-registration in January 2024. Lindon used to
play as a winger or striker but as his career progressed has become a power-house
in centre midfield. Lindon started his career with Vernon Colts in Nottingham before
joining Eastwood Town’s youth system, making his first-team debut aged 16. In 2011,
Lindon signed for Mansfield Town playing for them for one season in League Two
before joining divisional rivals York City. Lindon has a wealth of experience and is an
exciting and energetic player to watch.
Connor Dixon - Midfielder
Dixon is a box-to-box midfielder who never stops running in the midfield. A product
of the Derby County Youth system his ball mastery and vision is far beyond his
years. His energy is fast making Connor a fans favourite. Connor signed a new
contract in February 2024 to keep him at the NMG for the 24/25 season.
Declan Eratt-Thompson – Midfielder
The son of former professional footbaler Lee Thompson, Dec was diagnosed with
Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease aged 5, and spent 18 months in a wheelchair. In August
2022, Dec signed for the Robins and remains one of the clubs most consistent
performers. Dec signed a new contract in February 2024 to keep him at the NMG
for another season.
Jonathan Wafula – Midfielder
Jono was born in Kenya and at aged 10 and moved to England where his family
settled in Matlock, Derbyshire. When he first moved to England, he had no real
interest in football and only started playing the game when he left school and
attended colege. Scouts soon realised he had a talent for the game and on 12th
January 2013, he made his debut for Chesterfield v Northampton Town. Jonathan is
a great character to have around the club, is extremely respectful and hardworking
and is seen as a great role model to our younger players.
Callum Minkley – Midfielder
Callum signed for the Robins in October 2023 following his former Manager Ian
Deakin to the Microlise New Manor Ground. A no-nonsense hard tackling
midfielder, Calum does the jobs that other players dislike. A former product of the
Derby County Academy, Calum boasts a wealth of experience at such a tender
young age.
L’Varn Brandy – Forward
L’Varn started his playing career with the Derby County Academy, before moving to
the Shefield Wednesday Academy in 2018. L’Varn has a low centre of gravity and is
comfortable with both feet. L’Varn has a natural ability to glide past players and
create chances for his coleagues. L’Varn is another player that has a history with
manager Ian Deakin and we are excited to have such a young gifted player on our
books.
Jamie Walker - Forward
Walker returned to the Microlise New Manor Ground in August 2023. A player
who was a fan favourite at the NMG, even when playing for the opposition, Walker
gets supporters off their seats every time he gets the bal. Jamie was chosen by Ian
Deakin as his 23/24 player of the season.
Alex Marshall – Forward
Alex was born in Ilkeston and played for our Juniors, before making his debut for our
1st team and realising a lifelong ambition. Alex rejoins the Robins after spells away
with other clubs managed by Ian Deakin. A fan favourite as “he’s one of our own”.
Alex would walk through walls for his town and club, often putting his head in where
others wouldn’t.
Sacha Markelic – Forward
Sacha joined the Robins in the summer of 2024, having had a great season with
Heanor Town. Sacha is very quick and direct and loves playing of the shoulder of the
last defender. We are looking forward to see how Sacha progresses under the
Ilkeston Town management.
Tom Cursons – Forward
Tom signed from Barwel last season and quickly became a fans favourite. An old-
fashioned centre forward, a true number 9, who isn’t afraid of putting his head where
he may get hurt. A real handful of a striker and we are delighted to have him with us
to the end of the 24/25 Season. A real talent and a player that we believe wil
progress within the game to a much higher level. A player to watch out for the
future, remember the name.
Harvey Kirby-Moore – Forward
Harvey signed for the Robins just before the start of the new season. A product of
the Shrewsbury Academy, Harvey boasts electric speed and an eye for a goal. We
look forward to working with Harvey and watching him develop as a player.


 

Last edited by Matchman (26/10/2024 6:08 AM)

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Arrived at Prescot Cables and it's a nice looking pitch. 

In the stand now next to the halfway line and ready for kickoff .  
It's a clear sky and bright sunshine.   10 minutes to kickoff. 
It looks like a nice flat grass surface
Prescot are in amber and black, Ilkeston are in all red. 

Here come the teams 
 

Last edited by Matchman (26/10/2024 12:56 PM)

Ilkeston to kick off 

We're off.........

Great chance for WAfula but he puts it high and wide. Free kick in good position for Ilkeston but Cousins contact on the ball goes wide.    0-0.    10 mins

Now a Cables corner. Cables appealing that the ball has crossed the line. 

What's he got sent off for matchman?

I'm told Daniel handled on the line so straight red.

Prescot so close to a second goal as ball rolls across Yates's six yard line.  Brilliant by Meikle again trying to thread a ball through to Cursons  but defender gets a foot in. At the other end a great save by Yates.   0-1.  29 mins

Last edited by Matchman (26/10/2024 1:30 PM)

Another Cables chance but they mess it up.  Hollett sees yellow for kicking Kirby-Moore  .    0-1.   40 mins

Yet another save by Yates.  Kirby-Moore's  -cross appears to hit a Cables hand but nothing given.