Barwell completed a convincing win as they adapted better to the adverse weather conditions than their Derbyshire counterparts.

For the first time for a month, the Barwell goal was unbreached as the defence held firm to earn Liam Castle a welcome clean sheet.
Two goals in each half put paid to the challenge of the Robins as Barwell overcame the Robins as they dominated from start to finish with Castle hardly troubled.

As early as the first minute Barwell could have gone ahead when a cross from Ant Carney narrowly evaded Owen Story on the far post.

The home side went ahead on nine minutes. A solo effort by Carney saw him shoot low past Ilkeston keeper Evandro Rachoni.

Midway through the half a cross from Jack Blake was heading for a back post head in but a crucial glance from Joe Ballinger took the ball away from danger.

Alex Tomkinson was looking dangerous and on the hour he had a close range shot well saved by Rachoni.

Barwell were on the offensive and soon after Luke Barlone turned and volleyed from ten yards but Rachoni again saved well.

The second goal came on the stroke of half time. A cross from Story found Alex Tomkinson in the area. He created space for himself and shot into the net from twelve yards.

The Canaries again went close two minutes into the second half after a ball rebounded to Lavery eight yards out from where he headed onto the bar.

Story had his chance after 65 minutes. He ran through into the box but although upended, referee Mr. Hobbis saw a defensive foot take the ball and waved away appeals for a penalty.

Two became three midway through the second period as Story beat the offside trap and crossed for captain Lavery’s diving header at the back post.

The final nail in Ilkeston’s coffin came with 76 minutes played. A Tomkinson corner to the near post was met by the onrushing Jamie Towers who beast the away defenders to the ball and headed powerfully into the goal.

Ilkeston pushed for a consolation and a free kick late into the final minutes from the edge of the home area by Liam Marshall had Castle protecting his clean sheet with an excellent save.

This was a first class performance from Barwell with no fewer than six candidates for Man of the Match. The decision went to Alex Tomkinson who put in a great shift on the left and with a goal and an assist to boot, made an excellent contribution to the win.

Team: Liam Castle, Scott Lower, Eddy Nisevic, Declan Towers, Joe Ballinger, Richard Lavery (Callum Woodward 79), Alex Tomkinson, Nigel Julien, Luke Barlone (Aaron Daniels 77), Owen Story (Jamie Towers 71), Ant Carney.
Subs not used: Isaac Cooper, Liam Kay.

Goals: Carney 9, Tomkinson 45 (assist Story), Lavery 69 (assist Story), J.Towers 76 (assist Tomkinson)

Attendance: 247

Man of the Match: Alex Tomkinson