Ward scores late winner, then is sin-binned
The football season is nearing and Ilkeston Town have made the short journey to Coronation Park for this friendly with old rivals Eastwood CFC.
Ilkeston’s starting line-up consists of Yates (GK), Eratt-Thompson, Wilder, Costa, Hallam, Tolley, Lita and four unnamed trialists.
We’re off and Matt Yates is the first keeper to be brought into serious action making a good save from Eastwood’s no.7.
GOAL for Ilkeston, 11 mins., an error by the home goalkeeper allows Trialist to score for Ilkeston.
Eastwood bounce back and put Ilkeston under some pressure.
Yates makes another important save at the feet of an Eastwood forward, then distinguishes himself again when the home side threaten from a breakaway.
Before that, Ilkeston nearly scored again when Leroy Lita fired a great shot but the Coronation Park no.1 did really well to hold it.
GOAL for Eastwood, 36 mins. The home side equalise – no surprise, they have been building up to it.
Ilkeston’s trialist in the no.4 shirt looks good. He’s well in the game and often catching the eye with intelligent, positive play.
Ilkeston are making more of an effort as we near half time. Jack Tolley brings a good stop from the Eastwood keeper.
Half time: 1-1.
The second half begins and so does the rain.
It’s currently end to end with both keepers having to be on the alert.
An Ilkeston trialist just went close to a big moment but his shot hit a post.
Declan Eratt-Thompson shows his class by keeping the ball for a long time despite challenges.
An Eastwood player decides to surprise Yates with a long shot but it’s too high.
Henri Wilder and Leroy Lita combine well before an offside flag halts progress.
Both sides are making chances as we approach the closing fifteen minutes – it could go either way.
GOAL for Ilkeston. Town get the ball in the net on 81 mins. Scorer is Jamie Ward who curls in an excellent shot from the edge of the box.
Strong penalty appeal by Ilkeston but it’s turned down – only a corner given.
Full time: Eastwood 1 Ilkeston 2.
Apparently Ilkeston player/manager Jamie Ward was sent off near the end (sin-binned) for saying something to the referee. Ilkeston had to play out the closing moments with ten men. Any player committing dissent can now find themselves given a 10-minute temporary dismissal from the pitch.
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