It was a tough afternoon at the Microlise New Manor Ground, as we were beaten 3-1 by Anstey Nomads in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round.
Two goals in the opening half left Ilkeston with work to do, before a third was added 10 minutes from time.
Ashley Hunter added a consolation in injury time, but we were ultimately defeated.
The Nomads came close with their first opening after six minutes, when Harvey Kirby-Moore flicked a headed effort towards goal, however Sam Wilson was able to divert it onto the crossbar before Pharrell Johnson cleared his lines.
Wilson was called into action again eight minutes later as he palmed a stinging effort from Kevin Bastos behind for a corner.
L’Varn Brandy fashioned the Robins’ first opening, as he made a powerful run down the left, however he could only cut inside and fire a tame effort at Brad Clarkson.
Anthony Dwyer looked to keep the pressure on for Tris Whitman’s side, as he won the ball deep in Anstey territory, before passing to Jevin Seaton who fired just wide.
The visitors threatened again after 37 minutes, as Jordan Annable narrowly headed over from close-range, following an excellent delivery from Kyle Tomlin.
The deadlock was broken after 41 minutes by Bastos, as he slotted past Wilson from point-blank range.
The lead became two in as many minutes, as Anstey capitalised on a poor backpass from Sonnie Davis, which Bastos latched onto, before squaring to Kirby-Moore, who slotted into an empty net.
The early exchanges of the second half saw the Nomads have a flurry of chances, although they could not trouble Wilson.
Cherif Yaya looked to cause problems for the Anstey rearguard, as he advanced towards the 18-yard box, before laying off a pass to Sam Newell, whose shot was deflected behind for a corner.
The visitors notched a third with 10 minutes to play, as Oscar Tonge converted past Wilson from 12 yards after being played in by Courey Grantham.
The deficit was reduced to two in the 91st minute through Dwyer as he converted from close range, after Ashley Hunter’s shot was spilled, however it was too little too late.
We return to action on Tuesday night, as we host Warrington Rylands in Northern Premier League Premier action, (7.45 KO).
Written By Nathan Waller