The Whites welcomed back Sean Cann, Nathan Modest and Andy Hutchinson after injury and illness and all three were on the bench.
Brendan McDaid was unavailable and skipper Andy Toyne is still recovering from a broken bone in his toe.
The Whites' first effort came in the opening minute when Kallum Smith hit a left foot effort over the bar.
The visitors matched this seconds later when a dangerous cross from the right was cleared by Callum Ward.
Five minutes later, Danny Brooks unleashed a typical left foot volley which fizzed just wide of the upright.
After 15 minutes Brooks fell awkwardly and sustained a knee injury. Connor Smythe replaced him in midfield and the young full back was given the chance to show his versatility in that position.
Ilkeston took the lead on the half hour when a long throw caused confusion in the Whites defence and Michael Jacklin put through his own goal.
Five minutes later the visitors doubled their lead when David Morgan struck a 25 yard free kick past Robert Peet.
The Whites' responded five minutes later when Glyn Cotton flicked the ball to Bruno Holden whose magnificent shot on the turn was followed home by Sam Duncum.
One minute after the interval Robert Peet was deemed to have brought down Ilkeston's striker. The resulting penalty was hit feebly wide.
The rest of the game saw Ilkeston score four more goals during which time the Gaffer had to rearrange his formation due to Sean Wright's injury.
Despite the result there were still positives to be taken from the game.
First of all it was good to see players returning from injury.
Secondly players who had to play out of position did well.
Finally, playing a team like Ilkeston ensures you learn about what makes them so good.
So I go into the season with renewed confidence. I am looking forward to watching the ball being played through the units and kept on the deck whenever possible.
I would urge you to come down to the opening match on Saturday at home and support a young team that always gives its best.

Peter Hayward