Preston North End 2
I bet they are gutted they only made it a friendly game. I think it was our reputation that must have frightened them a bit. Saying that, we always play league game even when we are not a full strength, Southampton away being a prime example. So maybe they are missing the point of why the fans league was set up. They reminded me of Rochdale they way their team was set up, a big centre half who took no prisoners and a couple of speedy forwards put that together on a tight pitch and you have a recipe for success.
Saying all that it was us who played the better football so I have no problems with the result as I know on a decent pitch and with a couple of our big players back then there would only be one winner. Credit to Alex their manager though for the competitive way his players played the game they took no prisoners but saying that it was great learning curve for some of our players as we have a few teams coming up like that. Thanks to all the players who made the trip and Antony and Gareth for their individual performances on the pitch and a "big up" to Jacko for supporting the mini bus even though he wasn't playing. Not many people, if any, have supported the mini bus in the past even though they weren't playing so it means a lot to me that a player was there for the team instead of himself. So a big thank you to Jacko from his manager and I hope a few other players will follow is example in the future.
Preston N E team
Johnny Ellithorn
Chris Chats
Martin
Garath
Dez Nugent
Atky
Steve Cowell
Marino
Andy Dodwell
Student Sturat
Antony Chats
Subs
Richard
Scroha
Pete Heaps
Jimmy (6 second) Grimble
Jimmy Higgins
The View from Ilkeston Town:
High flying Preston were the visitors to the Ashes Stadium this week to face an Ilkeston side undefeated in four and high in confidence. The match,which had been previously billed as a friendly due to the absence of key players for the home side,got off to what can only be described as a tentative start. Chances were few and far between in the first half with both defences seemingly cancelling each other out.
The home side were rocked early on however, with the untimely departure of defender Lee Edwards after ten minutes due to a pulled hamstring. Manager Alex Middleton being forced in to reshuffling the pack early on by dropping midfielder Lee Burgin from his role on the wing,to slot in at right back,a position he filled with confidence and ability,whilst bringing on striker Shane Armstrong for the injured Edwards.
A quiet half for both keepers saw the match played out in the midfield with very few chances created by both sides with Preston probably just having the edge but unable to to break down a resilient home defence. Half time came and with the score at nil nil,both teams went in at the whistle believing they could get something out of the match.
Another inspiring half time team talk by home manager Middleton left the A.S.C. boys knowing the task ahead,and no changes were made on the field with the Gaffer sticking to the same 11 including team new boys Kev Watson and Jay Hallam who were given their full debuts. A.S.C. started the second half with a confidence and belief they were able to pull off what some people had described as an impossible task by getting something out the game. That confidence was rewarded five minutes in to the half when Dale Smith went down under a hefty challenge from a Preston midfielder just inside the North End boys half. The Ilkeston lads put in some good movement around the oppositions 18 yard box,whilst dead ball specialist Jason Bowler fired in a fine ball to connect with the head of star striker and leading scorer Ant Meir who magnificently beat Prestons organised offside trap, to glance the ball home past a despairing dive by the P.N.E. Keeper. 1:0
A good response from the away side saw them constantly attack the Ilkeston goal searching for the equaliser and got their deserved goal ten minutes later. Some good work on the right side of midfield saw the Preston player side step past two oncoming defenders to fire home a shot which found it's way to the back of the net,leaving the red faced home keeper Halford in no doubt that he could have, and should have, done better 1:1 and game on.
A.S.C. rallied and were soon back in front on 68 minutes with what can only be described as a Beckham like wonder goal. Glass ankles himself Shane Armstrong was brought down by a heavy challenge in the Preston half for Captain Jason Bowler to step up again,only this time,to take aim and rocket a shot past a rooted North End keeper from fully 28 yards. The bend,dip and power on the shot would not of looked out of place in the Premiership and unlikely to of been stopped by premiership goalkeeper. 2:1.
A.S.C kept pressing, looking to kill off the game, and looked out of reach on 74 minutes when Ant Meir narrowly beat the North End offside trap to blast home a right footed shot yet again giving the away keeper little chance. 3:1.
Preston continued to put pressure on the back four of Ilkeston but were restricted to long range efforts with Halford making good save late on to atone for his previous error. Controversy erupted deep in to injury time as an innocuous looking back pass by the knee of Bowler was controlled by Goalkeeper Halford who was looking to run the clock down, but was forced to pick up the ball due to the on rushing Preston attacker. Unbelievably the referee blew the whistle to signal a back pass wrongly judging that Bowler had used his foot to return the ball to his keeper not his knee. In the ensuing melee which saw Halford lucky not to receive a booking, Preston took full advantage taking a quick free kick to slot the ball in to an empty net. 3:2.
Almost immediately the Referee blew for full time to the delight of the home players and fans alike.
All in all a deserved win for A.S.C Ilkeston over a well organised and solid Preston side, who let's not forget are defending I.F.A League champions.
Thanks to Steve and the lads from PNE for the game
ps can you send me the info on derby and your tournament which you hold at your place please.
Once again thanks for the game and hope to meet up with you again.
Alex
ASC Ilkeston