Ilkeston Town v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 2 November 2024 - 15:00 | League

Spartans suffered a 3-0 defeat in Derbyshire to Ilkeston Town with skipper Nicky Deverdics finishing the game in goal. Harvey Kirby-Moore gave Ilkeston an early lead, before Jamie Walker doubled the home side's lead before the half time. Ilkeston had a third through Declan Eratt-Thompson in the 77th minute.

Spartans finished the game with 10 men when goalkeeper Micheal Hogan was shown a second yellow card in the 87th minute. Tom Wade was in the dugout as interim manager. It was the first time Wade had led a Spartans team in eight years.

Spartans fist opportunity came in the ninth minute when Michael Woods fired over the bar from inside the area after some good build up play from the away side. Ilkeston took the lead in the 14th minute when Kirby-Moore tapped the ball in from close range.

Moments before the goal Ilkeston struck the post from the edge of the box before Hogan denied an Ilkeston player from close range but he couldn't stop the third attempt. Greg Halford departed the game early after going down in the 31st minute and was replaced by Josh Norvell.

Spartans looked a threat on the counter and had their first shot on target of the game when Max Storey forced Yates into a save with an attempt from the edge of the area. The hosts doubled their lead in the 34th minute with a free kick from around 35 yards out which was drilled towards the back post and headed in by Jamie Walker.

Hogan was shown a yellow card in stoppage time for a foul on an Ilkeston player on the counter attack.

Half time: Ilkeston Town 2-0 Blyth Spartans

In the 51st minute Joe Oliver took the ball away from Hogan when the Spartans keeper tried to claim the ball, but Oliver recovered and cleared for a corner.

Callum Minkley's header in the 57th minute from close range was pushed onto the post by Hogan. L'Varn Brandy won the ball high up the pitch in the 67th minute and put in a dangerous ball, but it was cleared by Spartans.

Ilkeston substitute Jonathan Wafula came off the bench for the hosts in the 68th minute and was amongst the action straight away. He challenged Hogan in the air from a corner but was adjudged to have fouled the Spartans keeper with Thomas Cursons tapping into the net after the whistle had gone.

Ilkeston scored a third in the 77th minute when Declan Eratt-Thompson drilled the ball low across Hogan. Spartans continued to look for a way back into the game when Storey fired over from a tight angle in the 85th minute.

Hogan was dismissed in the 87th minute when he was shown a 2nd yellow card for handling the ball outside the area, and Nicky Deverdics went in goal for the remainder of the match.

Full time: Ilkeston Town 3-0 Blyth Spartans