WhiteBallProject / Tue 4 Mar 25 : Gainsborough Trinity v ilkeston Town : Ko 7 45pm

**Posted by Matchman** 04/3/2025 9:24 PM

Hardwick and Wauchope on for Brandy and Meikle.

**Posted by Matchman** 04/3/2025 9:27 PM

Another Ilkeston pen turned down for hand ball in the area. Massive appeal but ref runs away from it. 0-0 82 min

**Posted by Matchman** 04/3/2025 9:29 PM

Gains corner now. Headed clear by Decan Eratt Thompson. Ref giving Trinity everything now. 0-0. 85 mins

Last edited by Matchman (05/3/2025 6:07 AM)

**Posted by Matchman** 04/3/2025 9:32 PM

Free kick Ilkeston now on half way . End to end now

**Posted by Matchman** 04/3/2025 9:34 PM

3 minutes added time

**Posted by Matchman** 04/3/2025 9:37 PM

Free kick Ilkeston Now Ilkeston corner. we're going for it. Goal kick Gainsborough.
Now free kick to Gainsbotough and a chance for them. Ref blows for time.

Full time. 0-0

Last edited by Matchman (05/3/2025 9:48 AM)

**Posted by Matchman** 05/3/2025 9:47 AM

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Tue 4th March 2025
Northern Premier League
Gainsborough Trinity 0 Ilkeston Town 0
A first half of few opportunities was followed by a much more entertaining second period. Ilkeston's supporters were left wondering when a penalty decision might go their way after having two confident appeals rejected in the second half. The first was when Harvey Kirby-Moore was sent tumbling in the box and the other was when Alex Hardwick’s shot hit the arm of a defender. Both looked strong shouts but Gainsborough came closest to scoring when Declan Howe thundered a shot against Matt Yates’s crossbar.

Jordan Stevens and L’Varn Brandy saw shots blocked early on before Fraser Preston fired wide for Gainsborough. There was then a long period with defences on top until Jamie Walker’s excellent cross wasn’t quite reached by Kirby-Moore a few yards from goal. Stevens was dragged down when about to shoot but Colin Daniel’s attempt from the free kick was charged down. The half ended with two chances for the Holy Blues, Howe being denied by Yates and Ashley Jackson blazing over.

The second half needed to be better and it was. Howe had an early opportunity for the hosts but put his shot wide. Brandy then broke free for Ilkeston before being stopped illegally by Lewis Butroid who received a booking. The Ilkeston players and fans couldn’t believe it when they didn’t get a penalty after Kirby-Moore was sent sprawling in the area on 62 minutes. Kirby-Moore then saw a header from Stevens’s cross brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Dylan Wharton before Gainsborough replied with Howe’s cracker which rattled the Ilkeston bar. Lindon Meikle was next to go close for Ilkeston before Alex Hardwick saw his shot hit the arm of a Trinity defender in the area. McKeal Abdullah was pulled back when trying to reach the loose ball but both of Ilkeston’s appeals for a penalty were ignored. The last five minutes saw both teams try to find a winner. Abdullah was denied by Wharton in added time so the game ended goalless and the points were shared.

**Posted by Matchman** 05/3/2025 11:13 AM

I know it sounds like excuses but we definitely aren't getting any luck with decisions. Two strong penalty appeals rejected last night and both looked clear cut. It's another two points dropped as far as the playoffs are concerned but it was a well earned point against a good Gainsborough side. Defensively we were sound despite Tom Marshall's absence. I thought the whole team battled well to keep the clean sheet. Some great touches from Walker and Stevens and a usual tireless performance from Eratt-Thompson. Good battling by Kirby-Moore who did well against some robust Gainsborough defending. I think he's going to become a very good player in time.

The playoffs are looking unlikely after six games without a win but we're still 6th and there are 16 teams below us who would like to be in our position. Assuming we don't get promoted we can look forward to another season in either the Northern Premier League or the Southern League Premier Central. Two years ago when we got moved from the Southern League to the Northern Prem there was a feeling of trepiidation but we are now established as one of the league's stronger teams. Whichever league we're in we can anticipate a top half finish at the very least with Andrew Nally and Ian Deakin in charge.

Last edited by Matchman (05/3/2025 12:19 PM)

**Posted by WhiteBallProject** **Online!** 05/3/2025 3:10 PM

I think you are spot on in saying it has been a good season. We are one of the top teams with one of the best managers! As we all know it’s not just the team that have to be developed to play at step two we also need to develop the club and generate the extra finance needed. If and when we get printed we need to be able to cope with virtually full time professional set ups. The last time we got to that level we went bust within a year! As for the Southern League I am planning to work out statistically which is the stronger league.

**Posted by plymrob** 05/3/2025 6:45 PM

Whiteball - do please tell me how can you prove anything statistically from two differnet leagues over time... given promotion and relegation and enforced switches? I'm trying to think back, but was NPL seen to be stronger the last time Ilson were switched. From memory, both Matchman and I took a position. I'm hoping mine was more about winning teams and losing teams over a season rather than the "best chance".

A personal view, but I'm thinking, geographically, Northern leagues make more sense for Ilson. But you are only 100 miles from Cheltenham - and we claim to be south-west! (TV wise, as kid, it was 'Midlands Today' though!).

I feel sure Ilson will do well where ever.... and I have yet to analysise Matchman's promotion/ relegation post in that sort of detail. That said, when you have done the maths (over - maybe- ten seasons?), if the Southern League is easier.... go for that!