The result reflected a comfortable performance by the Robins, who in truth could have won by more had they taken more of the chances they created. The Millers meanwhile didn’t force a save out of home goalkeeper Ben Gathercole and looked short of ideas on the night. It will certainly give Les McJannet and his coaching staff some food for thought as they approach Saturday’s FA Trophy tie with Belper, and there were some animated exchanges after the final whistle.

McJannet made two changes to the side knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday, with Ashley Grayson and Terry Hawkridge replacing Ryan Goward and Theo Smith.

What turned out to be Carlton’s best effort arrived just 50 seconds into the game when Nick Hall headed against the crossbar from a Hawkridge cross.

Ilkeston pushed forward and took the lead on eight minutes. Gary Ricketts crossed from the right and with the ball only half cleared to Liam Green the Robins midfielder hit a spectacular left-footed volley to give Danny Marshall no chance.

Within five minutes the home side almost doubled their lead. Firstly an overhead kick flew narrowly over and then Ricketts blasted over the bar when clean through.

Dan Fletcher had to go off injured after just 18 minutes, replaced by Goward, but Ilkeston continued to press and another volley went just over.

Carlton enjoyed a rare attack on the half-hour with Hawkridge’s free-kick being headed over the bar by a Robins defender and on 35 minutes Ian Brown went off injured, replaced by Neil Grayson.

Shortly before half-time Marshall tipped away a cross which was heading for the top corner and in first half stoppage time Matt Millns made a last-ditch tackle to stop a certain goal.

In the second period Hall drilled a shot just wide and then headed a free kick wide as Carlton tried in vain to force the keeper to make a save.

Ilkeston extended their lead on the hour. Russell Cooke played a long ball down the right hand side into the path of former Millers striker Thomas who raced clear and slotted home past Marshall.

Marshall then made a fine stop from former Spurs midfielder Darren Caskey before Ashley Kitchen headed just over the bar at the other end.

With time running out the final substitute Adam Kimberley hit an effort wide after some good play and Neil Grayson went agonisingly close with a header from a Hall cross, but it was all too little on the night.

Carlton Town: Marshall, Darkin, Fletcher (Goward 18), Kitchen, Millns, Hall, Hawkridge, A Grayson (Kimberley 74), Hollis, Brown (N Grayson 35), Wiggins-Thomas. Unused substitutes: Smith, Gill.

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Rob Darkin.

Att: 579