Off to: Ilkeston

After completing our home and away duties with Whitby, it’s time to cross Ilkeston Town off the ‘to do’ list for the 06/07 league fixtures as we make our way to play on Derbyshire soil for the first time this season.

It’s hard to believe that it’s only been seven short weeks since we played the Robins on the opening day at Seel Park. People often say that a score line lies; that it sometimes doesn’t truly reflect what went on and, in the case of this game, it’s true – how we only managed to lose by one goal is beyond me. In conditions that would have had Noah rounding up the animals, life back in the Unibond Premier for Mossley got off to a less than auspicious start with a 3-2 defeat.

On an unremittingly depressing day the only real entertainment was provided by Ilson manager, Nigel Jemson. Banned from the dugout he spent the first half prowling the touchline in the front of the bus shelter where the majority of Mossley’s fans were huddling from the rain. He got stick, gave it back and everybody had a good laugh, especially as it detracted from the fare being offered on the pitch. In fact it was refreshing to hear someone who made the home supporters swearing seem restrained.

Our last league visit to the New Manor Ground back in April 2005 saw us come away empty handed after conceding a late goal. Last season we left Ilkeston with another one goal defeat following a very poor League Cup game; memorable only for the number of travelling supporters gorging themselves on the alcohol tinged savouries available from the pie window.

Ilkeston currently sit four points (17) and six places (9th) ahead of us in the league table. They also come into the game on the back of a 4-0 win at bottom club Grantham, a game that will be remembered for the fact that the home sides keeper walked out of the club seven minutes before kick-off. Their home form however isn't the best having only won one of the five games played there this season, which should give confidence to a Mossley side who are finding it easier to play on their travels.

Prediction: I'll go for a draw. I think most people would be happy coming back across the Peak District with that result, unless of course the point is the result of us being the victims of another last minute goal.