Richard Patterson scored at the right and wrong end in Stocksbridge’s superb win over Ilkeston. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Stocksbridge Park Steels added Ilkeston to their growing list of FA Trophy scalps after a stunning 3-2 replay victory in appalling conditions at Bracken Moor.
There was euphoria around the ground as heavy rain and high winds did not stop the Steels from eclipsing the magnificent victory at Northwich Victoria in the first qualifying round.
Chris Hilton has now guided the Steels further than anyone before has in the FA Trophy, but his side face an almost impossible task in the next round at holders North Ferriby United.
In the proverbial game of two halves because of elements, Steels importantly scored three times in the opening half through Richard Patterson, Ben Rhodes and Liam McFadyen.
Ilkeston got one back in the first half and Patterson’s own goal at the start of the second half gave the last 40 minutes a nervy feel to it for Stocksbridge.
Even more remarkably, the Steels consigned Ilkeston manager Andy Watson to his first defeat since taking charge of the Evo Stik Premier Division side in October.
The home side must have felt confident of getting a result after deservedly holding Ilkeston to a draw on their own turf on Saturday.
Apart from Jack Poulton having to be carried off in the first few minutes, the Steels enjoyed a positive start.
With the conditions on their side, Patterson’s header put his side in front after a long period of pressure.
Young starlet Rhodes chose the best moment possible to score his first senior goal for the club with a brilliant low drive from distance.
Stocksbridge allowed Ilkeston back into the tie after inviting JJ Blake to shoot from just outside the penalty area. Blake’s effort found the bottom as goalkeeper David Reay stood rooted to the spot.
The two goal lead was soon restored as captain McFadyen put his head onto the ball after it travelled all the way through the six-yard box from a corner.
The first half almost ended in unbelievable fashion as goalkeeper Reay’s long kick forward bounced over counterpart Evandro Rachoni and was heading for the top corner until an outstretched hand palmed the ball over the crossbar.
Because the weather, Stocksbridge always faced a battle in the second half and it became tricky once as Patterson headed into his own net.
Fortunately Hilton and his two assistants Ryan Laight and Lee Thompson got their tactics right.
Ilkeston tried to work the ball into the box by threading it through the eye of the needle instead of throwing the kitchen sink.
The only time Stocksbridge looked threatened was from corners as there were a few scrambles.
Most of Ilkeston’s chances were from distance as the Steels made themselves compact.
Stocksbridge had the odd dangerous counter-attack too which helped to wind the clock so a memorable victory could be celebrated.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: D.Reay, Meade, Poulton (Laight 5), Patterson, McFayden (captain), M.Reay, Rhodes (Fox 79), Biggins, Ruthven (Garside 51), Lumsden, Gregory.
Ilkeston FC: Rachoni, Harness, Print, Burgess (captain), Baker, Luto, Doyle (Coulson 69), Blake (Gordon 79), Udoh, Ndlovu, Burrows (Atkinson 79). Subs unused: Bako, Hill.
Referee: Rob Sherwood
Ref Rating: 10/10
Attendance: 108
Man of the match: Josh Meade (Stocksbridge Park Steels)