Ilkeston Town 4-1 Basford United (Northern Premier League) 20.01.24
Less than six miles separates Basford with Derbyshire neighbours Ilkeston, but heavy defeat in the Pitching In Premier Division has former Robin, James Jepson the United Manager and his side now a massive fourteen points below their ‘nearest’ league rivals locally, hovering dangerously above the drop zone in eighteenth place in the seventh tier of English football, Basford are now eight places below Ilkeston and if today was anything to go by, a class beyond too.
In front of a packed crowd buoyed no doubt by a significant number of postponements, the hosts took an early lead when Jamie Walker deflected home a shot by Connor Dixon who’s low goalward drive from a partially cleared corner ricocheted and cannoned before bobbling over the line where defender Dom Roma and goalkeeper Kieran Preston were sprawling unsuccessfully to keep out.
Ilkeston were good value for their lead and impressed through L’varn Brandy who tricked and teased out left, they kept the corner count ticking as they built a succession of set plays whipped into the danger area, but Basford held firm, until finally succumbing again, shortly after the half hour where the unmarked Walker headed home.
On 37 a third was scored by a player who also impressed on the day, Declan Errat-Thompson marauding from central midfield took a touch, set himself and struck with venom from the edge of the area a fine goal to all but crush this local derby into only one possible outcome.
That outcome looked ever-assured a minute into the second half when Curson raced through and nestled home, he was busy celebrating with his team-mates before being told by Referee William Cavanagh his goal won’t count, an offside decision called despite the ball being played into him, seemingly off a Basford player.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom, there was some spirit from the away side in the second half as former Ilkeston striker Remaye Campbell went close after Rev James spurned a good opportunity on 56, James was set through by a sublime Jack Lewis pass but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Yates, Campbell then blazed a header over before Walker completed his hat-trick at the other end. A cool finish from an elegant striker in form, sixteen and counting for the season for him. United did pull a goal back when a Matt Thornhill free kick crashed down off the cross bar and was struck home on the rebound by Nathan Tyson, the ball being adjudged to have crossed the line for nothing more than a late consolation.
Little consolation however in the 93rd minute when United’s Owen Betts was sent off for a second bookable offence. Betts had earlier came on as a substitute for the injured Dom Roma and didn’t cover himself in glory, a tough afternoon for James Jepson’s side who do have some breathing space on those below them. United sitting five points clear of the drop zone next face Warrington Rylands at home on Saturday.
Ilkeston Town: Yates, Perch, Parker, Errat-Thompson, T. Marshall, Cox, Brandy (Waite 88), Dixon (A. Marshall 58), Curson, Miekle, Walker (King 80).
Basford United: Preston, Roma (Betts 32), Wilder, Lewis, Frizelle, Fenton, Ritzema (Tyson 57), Thomas (Thornhill 55), Campbell, James, Barnes.
Venue: New Manor Ground (1,360)
*Article provided by Daniel Peacock (Editor).
*Main image @Papapix Jamie Walker in action for Ilkeston against Basford.