Stocksbridge and Ilkeston played in terrible conditions. Picture: Gillian Handisides
Stocksbridge Park Steels are dragging Ilkeston FC to Bracken Moor after an impressive 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy second round tie in which they came close to causing an upset.
The sides will contest a replay in South Yorkshire on Tuesday and Chris Hilton’s men will fancy their chances after holding a higher-league side, who are now unbeaten in ten games.
Hilton promised not to ‘park the bus’ and Steels didn’t as they dominated the opening half hour and created numerous chances – including the opener.
Ilkeston’s large support was stunned as Joe Lumsden’s deflected effort found the feet of strike-partner Scott Ruthven. The striker buried the ball past goalkeeper Evandro Rachoni and ran away celebrating, despite Ilkeston’s strong appeals for offside.
The Steels continued to press in a match that was lucky to go ahead after heavy rain which continued during the 90 minutes.
Lumsden headed wide before youngster Ben Rhodes and Matt Reay saw goal-bound efforts diverted away from danger.
Ilkeston forced the equaliser after the hour mark after a period of pressure on the Steels goal. There was more controversy as there seemed to be a foul on goalkeeper David Reay and a handball before Joe Burgess scored from the goal-mouth scramble.
Even then Stocksbridge didn’t settle for a replay as Lumsden went close on two occasions.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: D Reay, Meade, Coleman (Shaw), Patterson, M Reay, McFadyen, Rhodes (Fox), Biggins, Ruthven (Garside), Lumsden, Gregory. Subs unused: Thompson, Poulton.
Referee: M Billingham
Attendance: 406