The Robins were unfortunate to come out on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller as we fell to a 3-2 defeat away at Leek Town in the NPL Premier Division.
A fantastic effort from Lucas Weir put the hosts ahead before Anthony Dwyer found an equaliser.
The Blues regained the lead midway through the second period and extended their lead late on. Sam Newell did reduce the arrears to one with a few minutes remaining, but we could not find that all important goal.
Dwyer had his first involvement after a couple of minutes when he received a pass from Ashley Hunter, before carrying the ball forward and shooting just wide.
Another chance came to pass five minutes later as Tom Jennings swung an excellent ball into the box which Dwyer was unable to connect with.
Leek took the lead after 20 minutes after Lucas Weir’s long-range effort found its way past Alexander from the edge of the box.
Dwyer found himself on the scoresheet for the second time in two games as Jennings’ excellent low cross into the box found the striker who slotted home from 12 yards.
Reason then very nearly gave Ilkeston the advantage just before the break, but he saw his effort crash off the crossbar.
The early stages of the second period were cagey, with the best chance coming through Hunter after 61 minutes, who forced a smart stop from Kornel Misciur.
The hosts retook the lead a few minutes later when Jack Griffiths turned home a rebound from Hayden Campbell’s initial header.
Alex Panter extended the lead seven minutes from time, as he found an opening on goal and calmly converted past Jason Alexander.
Newell reduced the deficit to just one after 88 minutes with a brilliant effort, but it was a case of too little too late for the Robins.
We return to action on Tuesday, as we travel North to face Curzon Ashton at Tameside Stadium.
Written By Nathan Waller.