With relegation to step 4 next season now confirmed, Hednesford make the journey to Ilkeston on Saturday with the home side knowing that anything but a win will end their already slim hopes of securing a Southern League Premier Central play off place and even that won’t be enough if Rushall beat Basford.

After three consecutive away games, The Robins return to the New Manor Ground where they have drawn their last three matches against Royston (3-3), Needham Market (3-3) and Rushall Olympic  (1-1). Their first two home games of the season also produced draws against Leiston (2-2) and Redditch United (1-1) along with another against Basford (1-1). They have won a further eight games at home and lost five giving them a return of 30 points from 19 matches.

Ilkeston sit in seventh place in the table with a total of 58 points from 38 games. Their leading scorer is of course Leroy Lita with 13 goals to add to the 11 he scored for Hednesford before his departure. The Pitmen will be looking for just their third away win of the season to add to the 1-0 victory at Rushden & Diamonds and the 3-1 triumph at Bedford.

Ilkeston play at the New Manor Ground, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8JF which has a 4G playing surface and a capacity of 3,029. Tickets are £12 adults, £8 concessions/students with U16s free. Admission will be via cash turnstiles only, opening at 1pm for a 3pm kick off on Saturday. The digital matchday programme can be viewed for free via the club website.