Despite a battling performance on the road, we fell to a 3-1 defeat away at Gainsborough Trinity in the NPL Premier Division.
Gainsborough took the lead from the penalty spot after two minutes, before the Robins found an equaliser from the same route through Anthony Dwyer seven minutes later.
The hosts retook the lead after 56 minutes and sealed the deal late on as Ilkeston pushed bodies forward.
It only took two minutes for the opener to be found from the penalty spot, as Justin Omoregbee was penalised for a foul, before Stephen Mulhern duly converted.
However, the equaliser was found just seven minutes after, as Terry Hawkridge’s cross clipped a hand and resulted in a penalty, Dwyer stepped up from 12-yards and restored parity.
Debutant Gunner Elliott was lively early on, as he weaved through two defenders before seeing an effort saved by David Robson.
Some neat link-up play between Ash Hunter and L’Varn Brandy very nearly resulted in a second for the Robins after 42 minutes, but after advancing into the box, Hunter’s effort was deflected just past the post.
Gainsborough’s lead was restored after 56 minutes, as Ronnie Kokkinos’ headed effort was guided past Jason Alexander.
Hawkridge was close to levelling again after 64 minutes, but his effort narrowly travelled wide of the mark.
Ilkeston continued their pressure on the opposition goal with just over 15 minutes left, as firstly Elliott forced a save from Robson, before Hunter fired just off target from the edge of the box.
There were shouts for a late penalty as Dylan Reason was brought down, but the referee waved away any claims.
And as Ilkeston looked likely to find that deserved leveller, Gainsborough completed the scoring through Ashton Offler, who found the back of the net with the last chance of the game, after Alexander produced a fabulous double save.
We return to NPL Premier action at the Microlise New Manor Ground on Saturday as we entertain Avro, (3pm KO).
Written By Nathan Waller