Derby Defeat To Ilford

Alex Goldstone's Sky Blues got off to a great start and took the lead in the first minute, as forward Craig Jeakins grabbed his first goal for the club.

Ilford keeper Hugo Rossetti's goal-kick went straight into the path of Jeakins, who beat one defender before calmly slotting the ball home.  It was the perfect start for the visiitors.

'Side were looking in control, with Ilford only looking likley to threaten from the odd set-piece. Going forward  Goldstone's men were unlucky not to go into half-time 2-0 up. Mario Gjini was impressing on the left up front and he picked out David Hornsby withna great cross into the area, but the marksman shot his effort wide.

Gjini was causing Ilford problems and was unfortunate to see a shot strike the bar, before driving over from close range, It just wasn't the forward's day.

Ilford started the secnd-half better with Lamarr Douglas forcing Ryan Karrer into a smart save, from a decent curling effort from the byline.

Foxes keeper Rosetti was then forced into action just before the hour-mark, tipping an effort from the dangerous Jeakins over. From the resulting corner full-back George Woodward flashed a header wide.

On 62 minutes Ilford boss Martin Haywood was sent to the stands after being dismissed by the officials. Four minutes later the coach was smiling as his team levelled the scores. Former Redbridge midfielder Billy Golledge scoring for Ilford, with a fine strike into the top left-hand corner.

To their credit 'Side settled after conceding and pushed for a winner. First substitute Jamie Ross was denied by a good save from Rossetti before the ball was cleared off the line. Not long after that Gjini then struck the woodwork again, as 'Side's frustration continued.

With six minutes left Ilford grabbed the winner, to consign the Sky Blues to defeat. The goal did have a big element of fortune though, as a free-kick from Douglas was deflected in after striking 'Side's skipper Harry Matthews. The ball looped in off the defender's head, wrong-footing the luckless Karrer in goal.

Sadly there was no time left for Goldstone's men to find an equaliser, as they slumped to a frustrating defeat.  The result leaves 'Side in bottom place in the table, and along with 19th placed Leyton Athletic, they are now 11 points from safety.

'Side are next in action on Saturday 9th March when they face 6th placed-side St Margaretsbury away in the league. Kick-off for that match at The Recreation Ground is at 3pm.

'Side: Ryan Karrer, Harry Matthews, George Woodward, Joe Thomas, Frederico Hernandez, Joe Oates, Dan Jones (James Ross), Mario Gjini,  David Hornsby (Connor Goldstone), Craig Jeakins