Friday was the first game on the line since I had returned from Injury. I was obviously a bit nervous how it would hold up, especially with the game between Ilkeston & Eastwood being a real local derby.
 Early on with Ilkeston taking a surprising 2-0 lead, and the Eastwood defence playing high up the pitch. It meant a lot of quick reaction sprinting and meant I was straight into the game. Early on in the first half we had a delay for an injury to the keeper.  Whilst making a save he took the shot under the chin which knocked him out.  He looked like he was going to be unable to continue however decided he was going to carry on.  However from somewhere he pulled out of the bag one of the best saves Ive seen in a long time from the restarting corner. Ilkeston went in at half time 3-0 having capitalised on a defensive error near the half way line and running through one on one with the keeper.Â
There was two incidents in the second half.  An Ilkeston player was caught with a challenge right in front of the benches (sods law that).  The players started to move in and we had a situation where there was a lot of players around making comments about the challenge, and also acting as piece makers. Given the proximity to the bench it meant they became a bit involved as well trying to calm things down.  It ended with a caution to both sides.Â
Then in the last minutes of the match the Eastwood keeper brought down the Ilkeston striker when running at goal. The striker had knocked the ball wide and would have had a lot of work to do.  Definite penalty but not a clear scoring opportunity. Yellow card, and Ilkeston scored from the Penalty.    Â
