Ilkeston Town: Robins keen to avoid double trouble in their title bid

Friday, April 17, 2009, 07:30

ILKESTON Town are aiming to crank up the pressure on UniBond Premier Division leaders Eastwood Town this weekend.

But to do so they must get past the last team to beat them in the league, FC United of Manchester, who visit the New Manor Ground tomorrow.

Since the 3-1 reverse at Gigg Lane in late October, second-placed Ilkeston have gone 26 league games without defeat.

"They are the last team to beat us in the league and that is something that will come up in the team talk," said Robins joint boss Rob Scott (right).

"We don't want to let them do the double over us.

"They are just outside the play-offs and are looking for points.

"They will bring a fair few supporters, so it should be another good crowd.

"They are a good side and like to get the ball down and play.

"But maybe that will suit us because they will have to come at us and win the game. So it could be an open match."

Ilkeston have taken seven points from three games in the last seven days, including crucial wins over rivals Eastwood – watched by a bumper crowd of 2,288 – and Nantwich Town.

In between, they were held to a goalless draw by Boston United.

"Against Eastwood, we controlled the game, pretty much from start to finish, and it was a great result," said Scott.

"That left things in our own hands but we were a bit disappointed with the Boston result on Monday.

"Again, we dominated the game but just couldn't make the breakthrough.

"We have played a massive amount of games in a short space of time and I think it showed a bit in terms of fitness in that match.

"But we keep coming back whenever we are faced with a bit of adversity and did it again at Nantwich.

"The lads showed great desire to get the win. The first-half display was one of our best performances of the season – we were outstanding.

"In the second half, we played with our heads and looked fairly comfortable.

"That result put the pressure back on Eastwood.

"All we can do is keep winning games and whatever will be, will be."

Ilkeston and FC United fans are to be segregated at the ground tomorrow.

Town supporters will have to use turnstiles on the clubhouse side of the ground.

They will have to watch the match in an area stretching from the Clocktower end to the Co-op Stand.

FC United supporters will enter the ground via turnstiles at the car park end of the ground.