We’re at one of the best grounds in the league to face FC United of Manchester.
Teams –
FC United
1 Byrne, 2 Ferguson, 3 Hall, 4 Ennis, 5 Oliver, 6 Evans, 7 Fitzmartin, 8 Munro, 9 Le Fondre, 10 Preston, 11Gabidon.
Bench: 12 Rawsthorn, 14 KLindley, 15 Palinkas, 19 Buckley, 17 Connelly.
Ilkeston Town
1 Yates, 2 Brown, 3 Parker, 4 Perch, 5 Marshall T, 6 Minkley, 7 Daniel, 8 Meikle, 9 Cursons, 10 Wafula, 11 Walker.
Bench: 12 Eratt-Thompson- Koby, 14 Markelic, 15 Eratt-Thompson- Declan, 16 Kirby-Moore, 17 Hutchinson.
All ready for the action at this super ground. If you’ve not been here before there’s a sloping terrace behind one goal. (Memories of the old Manor Ground, Ilkeston.)
And off we go… with loud singing by the FC fans.
Fairly even to begin with. Utd have had a couple of chances and so have Ilkeston. Utd have had a goal disallowed for offside.
FC’s Dontai Gabidon makes a chance for himself but fires wide. Decent effort though. Good pressure by the home side who are encouraged loudly by their fans.
An Ilkeston shot hits a defender when we go up the other end. Matt Yates is called into action blocking Adam Le Fondre’s shot.
[Latest: Nottm Forest 1 Bournemouth 0]
Tom Cursons header goes over the bar.
Ilkeston are coping OK so far. FC’s strong point is their speed.
It’s still goalless after half an hour.
FC appear to be getting on top.
But Jamie Walker nearly gives them a shock – great shot brings a great save from Ollie Byrne.
More near misses by FC.
Will Evans misses a great chance from a loose ball. FC should have scored.
Half time: FC Utd 0 Ilkeston 0.
[HT: Forest 1 Bournemouth 0]
Peep! Second half begins at FC Utd.
GOAL for FC. They make up for missed first half chances with a quick goal after the break. A corner leads to Will Evans scoring from close range. 49 mins. FC Utd 1 Ilkeston 0,
Good reaction by Ilkeston. They push forward and Marshall and Wafula test Byrne.
Cursons and Wafula then have efforts thwarted.
An FC shot hits the side netting.
Ilkeston are not giving up and FC are looking like scoring as well.
BIG MOMENT. An FC defender handles the ball in the area but nothing is given. What a let-off for FC. Ilkeston players (and fans) can’t believe it. FC fans looking sheepish.
Action at both ends. FC nearly score, then Lindon Meikle shoots just too high for Ilkeston.
It’s mainly Ilkeston on the attack but an FC header bounces on the top of Yates’s bar.
If Ilkeston lose this, it’s not without a fight. Sub Markelic and Walker go close.
GOAL! Tom Cursons turns in a cross to level the score. 1-1. 85 mins. Ilkeston fans are jubilant as the leveller comes straight after an FC miss.
Today’s attendance: 1,529 – bumper crowd has seen a great game.
Full time: FC Utd 1 Ilkeston Town 1