Report by Raul Fletcher

Ilkeston 0 – 0 Guiseley

After an even first half my notepad was virtually empty and my pen nearly full. The half-time score was Ilkeston 0 Guiseley 0 after both teams’ defences had managed to contain the opposition.

The second half was more open but still even, and I made it 6 good chances to Guiseley and 5 to Ilkeston. The game was almost decided by questionable refereeing decisions leading to an excellent chance for each side. The first fell to Dale, who was put clean through from a weighted pass when the Ilkeston back four stopped to a man, expecting the officials to adjudge offside. Dale followed the old adage of ‘playing to the whistle’ but was unable to beat the keeper one-on-one.

The second chance fell to an Ilkeston forward after Guiseley midfielder Hodgson appeared to be elbowed in the head while challenging for a 50/50 ball on the halfway line. The referee waved play on, but the resultant chance from six yards out was blazed over the bar.

All in all, it was a good competitive fixture with a draw being a fair result. The Guiseley lads can take great heart from the fact they have taken a point from high-flying Ilkeston on their own patch.

Team:

1. Stewart
2. McLeod
3. Hodgson
4. Marshall
5. Robson
6. Walker
7. Ledger
8. Dale
9. Robinson
10.  Lee
11.  Whitfield

Subs:

12.  Clark
14.  Charles
15.  Mottley-Henry
16.  Ambo
17.  Murray
18.  Dunne

Guiseley Man of the Match: Dane Hodgson
Goalscoring chances: Ilkeston 10-10 Guiseley