Ilkeston deservedly won the battle of the 2 teams nicknamed the Robins with a goal in each half. They could have moved ahead within the first 5 minutes as Kane Richards played a superb 1-2 with Che Adams and was only denied by a fingertip save from Phillips in the home goal. Ashton could have taken the lead themselves on 8 minutes as Lee Rick sent Kayde Coppin running into the area and his effort struck the left hand post but within 5 minutes the visitors were ahead as Adams made a good run through the middle and lobbed a pass into the area where Richards beat Phillips to the ball leaving James Reid to sweep home the opening goal. Just before the midway point of the half a great ball from Reid gave Duffy a clear sight of goal but he dragged his effort wide of the target and strike partner Richards did no better following a fine interchange with Morgan.

Phillips kept Ashton in the contest with a superb one handed save from Richards after Duffy had reached the by-line whilst at the other end Jay Gorton put a free header wide of goal from Ashley Young’s corner. Good work by Brad Robinson after the restart came to nought as Coppin spun but shot well wide before Coppin himself put a cross over which was acrobatically put over the top by Pilkington as the home side raised the tempo.

Unfortunately just as Ashton were building up a head of steam Ilkeston doubled their advantage as Adams picked up the ball on the right wing and turned past Connor Roberts-Nurse before beating Greg Pearson and finishing confidently. Ashton had used all 3 substitutes by this point as they strove to find a way back into the game and a fine run to the by line by Pilkington saw the cross pushed out to Baguley who forced a low save out of Smith. A good flick by Richard Bennett then sent in form Coppin speeding into the area only to be denied by Smith, and the closest Ashton came was when Martin Pilkington carved out a chance for himself which was denied by Smith’s right hand at the expense of a corner, from which Jay Gorton’s header was cleared off the line. The fact that it wasn’t Ashton’s day was then underlined as Richard Bennett looked sure to score as the ball fell to him in the area but he also saw his effort cleared off the line.

Team: Phillips, Aspin, Roberts-Nurse, Gorton, Pearson, Young, Rick, Gee (Baguley), Marsh (Bennett), Robinson (Pilkington) & Coppin.
SNU: Haslam & Halford.