Published Date: 16 April 2009
ILKESTON Town's promotion battle intensified this week as they prepared for Saturday's visit of the club with the biggest support in the Unibond Premier Division.
Play-off contenders FC United of Manchester arrive at the New Manor Ground for a match which could beat Good Friday's home record league gate of 2,288.
After a victory over Eastwood Town, Ilkeston's title hopes slipped when they drew at Boston United on Monday while the Badgers were chalking up a big home win.
It prompted Ilkeston coach Rob Scott (pictured) to outline his disappointment at the Boston result, saying: "If ever there was a side which dominated a nil-nil draw, it was us today.
"It was another clean sheet, another game unbeaten. Unfortunately we need wins," he said before declaring that FC United will provide "a massive game, another tough game."
He was warm in his praise of the players who delighted fans by beating the Badgers but was quick to caution against irrational exuberance. "We are doing all right but we have not won anything yet.
"We have won one game but I know when you are up, football smacks you down again. It's the biggest cliche but we are now looking to the next match.
"I felt we controlled the game quite well. We were under a bit of pressure attacking-wise towards the end when they slung the ball forward. We stood up to the test really well.
"It was not a classic but we nullified them quite well. It was a very professional performance and we went out and got those three points.
"It is credit to the players who did everything we asked of them. We would not swap them for anyone in this league.
"But we knew this match was never going to win the league and no-one is jumping up and down," said Scott. He had kind words for Liam Wild, who made way for fit-again captain Simon Weaver.
"Liam has been doing well but Simon Weaver gave us a bit more experience. He was outstanding and has a bit of leadership," he said.
And unsung Simon Harrison was described as "outstanding" after stepping into the right back role from midfield following an injury to Lee Thompson.
Scott felt striker Jon Douglas had another fine game against Eastwood, often working alone against their two central defenders. When they resorted to fouls, it was obvious he was troubling them, he said.
Keeper Arron Jameson has torn a thigh muscle, returned to Sheffield Wednesday and is unlikely to return.
"He has been brilliant for us, we thank him and Sheffield Wednesday," said Scott.
That led to a return for goalie Chris Adamson, who has overcome injury in time for the run-in.
Marine visit on Tuesday, April 21, kick-off 7.45pm for the final home league match of the season. The Robins travel to Whitby on the Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
The win over Eastwood meant that Ilkeston clocked up 23 league games without defeat, prompting Scott to say: "It doesn't matter what level you are at, that is an achievement.
"You have to praise these players who have been through a lot of turmoil and the departure of the manager had an effect for weeks. But they have taken on board what we have told them and done everything asked of them."
- Fans are to be segregated for the visit of FC United of Manchester to the New Manor Ground, Ilkeston on Saturday.
Ilkeston Town supporters will have to use turnstiles on the clubhouse side of the ground for the match, which kicks off at 3pm.
They will have to watch the match in an area stretching from the Clocktower end to the Co-op Stand. Extra toilets will be provided.
FC United supporters will enter the ground via turnstiles at the car park end of the ground. All turnstiles will open at 1pm with adults charged £7 with concessions offered at £4.
All bars will be closed during play but should be open at half-time.
The match is expected to attract more than 1,000 spectators and could match the 2,288 for the visit of Eastwood Town.
During that game, police were called and they segregated fans behind the goal at the car park end. Beer was thrown and a smoke canister was lobbed into the ground from someone outside.
Nobody was hurt and police made no arrests. The force helicopter hovered over the ground for most of half-time.
After Saturday's game, there will be several presentations on the pitch but fans must remain off the grass unless invited.
Trophies will be handed to the Supporters' Player of the Year as well as the choice of the two coaches and the Players' Player of the Year.
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