Darren Giovannetti knows more than most about Saturday’s opponents Ilkeston FC. Giovannetti is the Robin’s Scout and has stated from what he has seen in recent weeks, Phillo and Ackers' side have it in them to win the league!

Ashton United have been defeated by Ilkeston this season with a 2-0 defeat coming at Hurst Cross in October, a game in which Che Adams, now at Sheffield United, outclassed the Robins defence on occasions.

However, the club scout believes a lot has changed and believes his side have improved greatly since the first clash on the 25th October;

“All the teams that we're up against in the next few games we've either played or I've already been to watch. We feel confident, we know what each side is about and we will combat that. They'll be more concerned with us I hope!”

Giovannetti is excited with the recent incomings of Leadbetter and Yarwood, as well as current big players in the side. He believes everyone is coming into form and getting the rub of the green is helping the side move up the table too;

“I’ve heard really good things about Kevin Leadbetter and Steve Yarwood. They seem to have settled in well. I will have a good look at them on Saturday against Ilkeston.”

He added; “We've improved in the fact that key players are hitting top form at the same time. Also, getting the luck now is helping, as before we were on the end of some questionable refereeing decisions.”

Martin Pilkington has now scored 11 goals this season, making him the side’s top scorer. In a previous interview back in October, Giovannetti put his money where his mouth is, claiming when ‘Killer’ got his first, he would go on to a great season... and his words have come true;

“Martin Pilkington has impressed me. At the start of the season it just wasn't running for him in front of goal, but I said once he got one he would score plenty and he's bang on form now. His goals and work-rate are first class.”

With Ashton United a point off second and eight off top side Skelmersdale United, all is still to play for. The Robins scout extraordinaire knows Paul Phillips and Steve Halford well and knows if they have their way, the side will be in the Conference North for the 2015/16 season;

“I expect us to win the league. If the performance levels don't drop then the play-offs will be a definite and possibly automatic promotion. Knowing Phillo and Ackers, they will want to win it and I'm sure they'll push the lads on to achieve this.”

Finishing by saying; “We will be up for Saturday, as it’s a massive game for us. We’ve played the same games as Ilkeston and we are only a point behind. If we beat them that puts us two points clear with 5 games in hand on Skelmersdale. The ones we need to keep an eye are FC United of Manchester.”

Darren Giovannetti has close links with the Reserve side too and added on a separate note; "It's good to see the Reserve side getting a chance with the First Team. It just shows the hard-work being put in at the club. Andy, Brian and John are doing a fantastic job!"