ILKESTON FC 0 STAFFORD RANGERS 2
THIS was an excellent performance from Stafford Rangers who put an end to Ilkeston’s unbeaten run which stretched back to November and saw the Boro climb back into the Evo Stik top ten.
Ilkeston made the early running with Laurie Wilson heading a Jack Watts corner over the bar.
A poor punch from Adam Alcock fell kindly for Aaron Hooton but the Rangers keeper was on hand to block the volley.
Rangers’ first chance fell to Kasiama on the half hour mark, volleying over after excellent work from Karl Ashton on the left.
Alcock was forced into a fine save when Gary Ricketts met a Watts corner with a firm header.
Kasiama grew into the game and a fine run down the right hand touch line saw his near post effort saved by Chris Martin.
However, Rangers broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Ryan Brown spotted Martin off his line and the driven ball forward picked out Danny Quinn who looked suspiciously offside.
Quinn raced into the area, lay the ball into the path of Ashton who powered the ball off the underside of the bar into the net.
Ilkeston made a double substitution at half time but it was Rangers who made the first impression after the break, Ashton’s shot rebounding off Martin.
Rangers continued to threaten from the corner with Liam Walshe and Quinn having efforts blocked.
The home side had a decent chance in the 63rd minute but Jide Maduako’s header from Kieran O’Connell’s cross was straight at Alcock.
Rangers doubled their lead on 69 minutes when Walshe headed home a flighted corner from Kasiama.
The visitors continued to defend superbly and this was highlighted by a wonderful blocking tackle from Brown as Ricketts looked certain to score.
Ricketts again went close, Alcock saving well at point blank range.
Alcock had the final word turning a Laurie Wilson drive past the post but it was no more than Rangers performance deserved and they completed a fine league double over the Derbyshire club.
For the record
Ilkeston: Chris Martin, Rob Kozluk (Dan Partridge 60), Jake Wholey, Laurie Wilson, Joe Maguire, Jideofo Maduako, Jack Watts (Keiran O’Connell 45), Ryan Wilson, Gary Ricketts, Aaron Hooton (Cameron Dark- wah 45), Matt Richards. Subs not used, James Reid, Russell Cooke.
Rangers: Adam Alcock, Luke George, Ryan Brown, Liam Walshe, James Bolton, Christian Dacres, Peter Heler, Lee Downes, Karl Ashton, Danny Quinn (Oliver Davies 87), Fabrice Kasiama. Subs not used, Jimmy Turner, Sean Kinsella, Levi Reid, Alex Curtis.
Booked: Maguire (Ilkeston), Heler (Stafford).
Referee: Geoff Law (Leicester).
Attendance: 515.
