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9/01/2018
Ilkeston Town FC 1(4) - 1(3) WBAFC
Darryl’s team selection and his opportunity to make any significant tactical changes during the game were somewhat restricted by the fact that 2 regular senior players, Gregory & Kay, were unavailable on the night; unfortunately Gemmill & top scorer Joe Burges weren't 100% either and also had to revert to the bench alongside promising youngsters Dan Connell and Jacob O’Donnell.
So the Broome slotted in at left back, Sutton patrolled in front of the defence with Gilbride and Barlow further forward; Ledbetter and George Burgess out wide and Jack Kelley up front.
Understandably, after having not played since the last round on December 5th, Whaley initially sat back and allowed the home side to switch the ball across the back and around the middle third but with little or no end product Tattersall in goal for Whaley wasn’t really bothered first half although the one opening that fell to Tim Hopkinson 6 yards out wasn’t converted.
With the likes of Broome, Gilbride and Barlow beginning to seriously harass the higher level opposition Whaley began to win more possession and on 3 separate occasions released the speedy Sam Ledbetter down the left, on each occasion Sam decided to shoot from distance with the keeper off his line. The third effort, a right footer, looked for all the world that it would hit the top right corner but just went wrong side of the post. Ilkeston manager Steve Chettle admitted after the game that Whaley Bridge could have been three or four goals ahead at the break.
The home side were much improved in the second half. Forward Alex Marshall was unlucky to only fire his effort straight at Whaley Bridge keeper James Tattersall, after some good control in the area. Marshall was involved again just ten minutes later, holding off two defenders before laying the ball off to Hopkinson who smashed it low and hard towards goal; Tattersall although getting a hand on it couldn’t keep the ball out. It should be noted that Ilkeston's 'star' striker was for the most part kept well and truly under wraps by the outstanding central partnership of Newton and Streets.
Whaley grabbed a well-deserved equaliser in the 82nd minute; a wicked free kick executed in typical Gilbride left foot fashion swung in from the right and with everyone chasing back towards goal Jack Kelly got there first to glance the ball past the advancing Ian Deakin.
The game opened up and play swung from end to end although in the final minutes everyone was well aware that there was no extra time and penalties loomed. Just turned 16 Jacob O’Donnell, a product of Whaley’s youth system, replaced the injured Sam Ledbetter and certainly didn’t look out of place in his debut game looking quick and making good use of the ball.
And so to penalties!
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be; Deakin made 2 saves and Tattersall one and so Ilkeston Town go through 4-3 on penalties, as they did against Glossop NE in the previous round; to meet Alfreton Town in the semi-final.
The game was deemed to be the match of the round and didn't disappoint; it was published on a live twitter feed/Periscope, a marvellous advertisement for a team that has showed real spirit and not a little ability throughout the competition to match much higher placed opponents.
Ilkeston's compact and well appointed ground welcomed a crowd of some 300 of which around 10% had made the 110 round trip from Whaley on a cold Tuesday evening and WBAFC very much appreciates their continued support and involvement.
Tattersall, Bailey; Newton; Streets; Broome; Ledbetter; Gilbride; Barlow; Burgess G; Kelly
Gemmill; Burgess J; Connell; O’Donnell |
