On Tuesday 9th September Northern Premier League Premier Division football returns to Keys Park when Ilkeston Town make the journey over to Staffordshire from Derbyshire.
When returning to the Northern Premier League in 2023/24 following lateral movement from the Southern League, they finished in 11th place with 60 points from 40 games and last season were three points outside of the play-off places when they were sixth with 66 points from 42 games. This season sees them in 13th place with nine points from seven games, two points and five places below Hednesford. Their three away games have seen just one win on the opening day 2-1 at Morpeth and two defeats, 0-1 at Warrington Town and 0-2 at Bamber Bridge. Their home form is better with two wins, 2-0 against Prescot Cables and 3-0 versus Hyde to go with two 0-1 defeats against Gainsborough Trinity and Whitby Town along with a 1-2 FA Cup defeat against Spalding. Their goal scorers this season are Jamie Walker with two including one in the FA Cup while Connor Dixon, L’Varn Brandy, Robbie Fox, Rooney Youmbi and Jordan Stevens all have one. Last week the club announced the signing of Essa Janneh a centre back from Stratford Town.
The Pitmen are undefeated at home so far this season with two league wins and a draw to go with the FA Cup win over Basford. Away from home they have lost twice and won once to go with Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Warrington Rylands when they came back from conceding two first half goals to earn a point thanks to goals from Jake Jervis and Nathan Blissett.
Ahead of the game, Manager Gavin Hurren, said: “Ilkeston are a well-established side at Step 3 and have made no secret of their ambition to push higher. We know we’ll need to be switched on and play with the same intensity and discipline that has served us well so far.”
Kick off on Tuesday night is at 7.45pm with admission being £13 adults, £10 concessions, 17-18, and disabled (non-wheelchair access), £5 U16 and free for U10s but all U16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. Supporters are advised to use the FanBase app to purchase tickets although cash or card payments can be made at the ticket office up to 30 minutes before kick-off.
