.
In the closing stages I was expecting a barrage of attacks from Hebburn but it didn’t really happen. That can only be put down to our good defending. We owe so much to Tom Marshall and Sam Parker. They win all the headers and they are both fearless when challenging for the ball. 
When watching the Rylands match the previous week in the seats, I could hear their officials and supporters moaning and groaning that Ilkeston were winning all the headers. 
Going back to the Hebburn match, that has to be one of the best performances of the season. Hebburn are one of the best teams in the league and we matched them. It’s a good league and every game is competitive. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose and it’s often a close game that could go either way. It’s a pity we don’t get better attendances at home games. 
Considering our injury situation, the players that have come in, have done really well. It was good to have Sam Essien back after a period out through injury. Incoming players Jay Abudu, Charlie Carter and Daniel Odunaiya have all settled in quickly and been superb and Tyler Whyle never lets us down.
It’s not been the best season for results but our home record is now looking better after five wins in our last six NMG matches. 

Home record up to Christmas:   P10. W3. D1. L6. F10. A15. Pts 10

Home record from Boxing Day:   P 6.  W5. D0. L1. F16. A 7.  Pts 15

Home record now:                        P16. W8. D1. L7. F26. A22. Pts 25

 

Last edited by Matchman (02/3/2026 11:40 AM)