We head to Ilkeston for the second time this season after the original game was controversially abandoned with just four minutes to go back in September. On that evening we had led 2-1 before the late ‘annoyance’ following a generator which powered the floodlights running out of fuel.

There will be a precautionary pitch inspection at 1pm to see if the game can go ahead as planned, following two days of heavy rain.

Matches against Ilkeston over the years have usually been tight affairs; although we did manage to do a league double over the Derbyshire side the last time that we faced each other back in the 2012/13 season.

That campaign saw the Pitmen record a 2-0 victory on the road late on as we moved up towards promotion.

Manager Paul Casey was looking forward to his side getting back on the pitch after a stop-start month due to postponements.

He said:

“Although we have suffered from the weather in recent weeks I must admit that training has been really good with the team spirit being high as everyone gets to know each other.

“Now it is down to us try and build something on the football pitch and dominate matches.

“Ilkeston are a young team with natural footballing ability. I went and watched them recently against Stafford Rangers and they narrowly missed out in that game after taking the lead. Despite their league position we are in for a tough game on Tuesday night.”

On the injury front, Tom Thorley trained with the squad on Thursday and will be back in contention for a starting berth. Lewis Wright is currently undertaking rehab work, with a look to returning to full training, after suffering from a knee injury over the last six weeks. It is hoped that striker Danny Glover will also be fully fit after suffering from an illness in the last couple of weeks.

The game kicks off at the usual time of 7.45pm and we hope that you can make the trip to support the Pitmen – with there still being spaces available on the Travel Club coach, phone Ken Leese (07935723290) to book a seat.

Ground Address
New Manor Ground
Awsworth Road
Ilkeston
Derbyshire
DE7 8JF

Admission Prices
£6.00 – Adults
£3.00 – Concessions
£1.00 – Children
Free – U13 with a paying adult