Ilkeston Town left Garden Walk with all 3 points following a hard-fought encounter in a game lacking in any real quality.

The first half was a particular dour affair as both teams cancelled each other out. The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock saw a clever turn from Nathan Tshikuna take him away from 2 Robins midfielders, but his 30-yard effort was narrowly wide.

Ilkeston started the second half the more purposeful of the 2 sides and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 50th minute. A Joseph Wilson corner was met by the head of skipper Kieron Fenton, who rose unchallenged to steer the ball home.

Having made 3 substitutions the Crows cause was not helped by an injury to Ronnie Henry in the 69th minute which resulted in them being reduced to 10 men, as he was unable to continue.

The away side took advantage of the extra man straight away as Jack Thomas picked up the ball in midfield and played in Alexander Troke. Troke drew his man before slipping the ball through to Christopher O’Grady who emphatically finished past Dimi Kyriatzis in the home goal.

The Crows were given a lifeline in the 76th minute as substitute Kian Harness was fouled in the box. Matt Bateman converted the resultant penalty to give the home side hope. Despite forcing the Robins back in the closing stages Royston were unable to fashion any real chances and Ilkeston where able to hold on and travel home with all 3 points.

Royston: 13-Kyriatzis, 2-Rolfe (14-Harness 58), 3-Nakatani-Brown, 4-Newton (15-Mentis 58), 5-Murray (c), 6-Henry, 7-Dasilva, 8-Bell-Toxtle (16-Robson 58), 9-Bateman, 10-Tshikuna, 11-Furlong

Unused – 12-Keane, 17-Osei-Bonsu

MOM – Matt Bateman