A really close game ends 5-2. When Irish equalised I thought we were in trouble because they were on top and the crowd was behind them. I said we desperately needed a goal to stem the tide and fortunately we got it. After we’d made it 3-2,  Irish had to take chances and push forward leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. Ilkeston took full advantage and added further goals. A  cracking game between two very good sides and a final scoreline that flattered Ilkeston. Well done lads. We’re through to round 2.

 

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Thu 29th October 2026
FA Youth Cup - First Round Proper
Milton Keynes Irish U18s 2 Ilkeston Town U18s 5
After battling through the preliminary rounds of the FA Youth Cup to the 1st round proper Ilkeston were drawn away to Milton Keynes Irish. What a game it was and what a result to go through to round 2. Finishing quality was the difference between two excellent young sides and four outstanding second half strikes swung the game Ilkeston’s way.
Ilkeston edged a keenly contested first half which saw both keepers making saves. Half time looked to be arriving goalless but a penalty on 40 minutes gave Ilkeston a slender but deserved lead. 
Milton Keynes Irish came out for the second half with real determination in search of a leveller but Ilkeston defended well and went two up on 58 minutes. Undeterred, MK Irish kept pushing forward and quickly pulled a goal back. With the home crowd behind them MK Irish drew level on 69 minutes with a far post header. The momentum was with the hosts but Ilkeston regained the lead on 81 minutes. Stung by the setback MK Irish threw more players forward in an effort to rescue the game. But Ilkeston proved to be the better finishers and a brilliant 4th goal on 89 minutes appeared to have settled the outcome. In added time Ilkeston missed a penalty but then added an outstanding 5th goal to wrap up the scoring.