No win in five for Lancaster City after Ilkeston defeat

Lancaster City slipped to a 3-0 defeat away at Ilkeston Town in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Two goals from Sam Walker, one in each half and a strike from L'varn Brandy made sure the Robins ran out convincing winners against a Dolly Blue side missing the cutting edge in front of goal.

Lancaster City had the better of the early chances. Steven Yawson breaking through Ilkeston's back line on 4 minutes, his effort saved by Alfie Roberts. Jim Craig on 10 minutes heading over from a Joe Amison looping ball to the back post and a minute later, Nic Evangelinos was played in, once again from Amison and his shot was saved by Roberts.

The momentum swayed to the way of the hosts, Robins skipper Matt Thornhill saw his shot inside the box deflected wide and Brad Kelly was called upon to make a brilliant save to stop Jordan Steven's free kick going in.

The deadlock was broken on 31 minutes, with Sam Bird switching play to find Sam Walker and his effort was deflected into the goal by Jack Wright, wrong footing Kelly. Jordan Stevens almost extended the lead, but again it was Kelly who made the save.

A Dylan Thomspon header off a free kick was over the bar and Yawson again workedd the goalkeeper to round the half off.

The Dollies started brightest in the second half. Charlie Bailey with a couple of efforts, one blocked and the other one saved. But within 15 minutes of these chances it was effectively game over.

Sam Walker with a free header off a corner on 55 minutes, doubled his and Ilkeston's tally for the day and just after the hour mark, L'varn Brandy picked the ball up on the halfway line and unchallenged carried the ball forward and slotted home.

It looked like the floodgates would open, but the Dollies rallied and with a change of shape and personnel, rallied to keep the score somewhat respectable and had chances of our own.

Evangelinos lobbed an onrushing keeper which went just wide, and there were blocked shots by Nathan Caine, Christian Sloan and Steven Yawson.

On 83 minutes Lewis Mansell was fouled in the box to give Lancaster a chance of a consolation, however Mansell's penalty was saved, rounding of a disappointing day on the road.

There is now a two week break until the next game at home to Ashton United on Saturday 31st January, 3pm kick off.