Match Report

FC United drew 1-1 at Ilkeston on Saturday afternoon with Nicky Platt opening the scoring 10 minutes in before Joe Maguire snatched a point for the hosts 17 minutes from time.

The Reds started well and had the first chance on six minutes when Greg Daniels fired over a good cross for Mike Norton who saw his shot blocked. The ball fell to Dave Birch who saw his shot go narrowly over the bar.

On 10 minutes, United took the lead when Norton played in Platt who rolled the ball into the far corner of the net with the possible touch off a defender but it was very much Platt’s goal.

A FC United corner from the right almost created another goal but Lee Neville powerfully headed over.

Shortly before half-time, Matthew Carr almost scored his first goal for FC United but his header was placed straight at keeper Chris Martin.

The second half started with the home side on top. Daryll Thomas did well on the right hand side to cut in and fire a shot towards the far post that was well saved by James Spencer.

On 57 minutes, Neville had another chance when he flicked a corner towards goal, the ball just going wide. With little over 20 minutes to go, Platt should have scored his second of the game when he was played into the box but he saw his shot saved by Martin.

Four minutes later the score was level when a corner wasn’t cleared by the FC defence and Joe Maquire fired into the net.

A minute later, Neville saw a shot blocked with Birch putting the rebound just wide.

Ilkeston substitute Jordon Smith was looking lively and he fired a low cross across the FC United six-yard box but there was no-one there to connect with the ball.

With three minutes left on the clock, FC United thought they had won the game when a Neville cross from the left was headed against the foot of the post by Norton.

All-in-all a draw was a fair result with FC United having the best of the first half and Ilkeston seeing the lion’s share of the ball in the second.

Report by Steven Wood.