Ilkeston crash out of FA Cup
Rai Simons and Antwan Russell’s Ilkeston FC crashed out of the FA Cup first round qualifiers after losing 2-1 to Belper Town at the weekend.Teenager Simons, who came on in the second half, and unused substitute Russell couldn’t prevent the Robins suffering a shock cup exit at the New Manor Ground.Town opened the scoring on 17 minutes when former Ilkeston man Sam Duncum found space in the middle of the box to slot home after an initial shot was parried away by goalkeeper Rob Peet.The Robins conceded again in the 60th minute when danger man Duncum delivered in an excellent cross which Shaun Tuton headed home.Bermuda international Simons was brought on in 61st minute as Ilkeston went on the attack.They finally reduced the deficit on 70 minutes when Aaron Webster bagged his fifth goal of the season following a mazy dribble, but it failed to spark an Ilkeston comeback with Belper standing firm for a well-deserved win.A disappointed Kevin Wilson said after the game: “Belper were good today, they put in effort, they closed people down, they kept their shape and were well organised and they got the result they deserved and we just didn’t do well enough.“There were too many poor decisions by players today both on and off the ball, we certainly paid the price for them.“We’ve conceded too many goals so far this season, which I’ve said before, people have to stand up and be counted, we’ve had a decent start in the league but we’re out of the FA Cup, and with respect to Belper Town, we shouldn’t be out of the cup at this stage.“If I’m completely honest I’m actually surprised that we scored today, and it hurts me to say that, and if I’m being honest again I genuinely hope it hurts those lads as much as it hurts me.“We’ve got Droylsden at home next week and they’re bottom of the league and we really need to have lot more desire, attitude, application and work ethic if we want to get a result.”Bermuda’s Reggie Lambe was an unused substitute at the weekend as Toronto FC lost 2-0 to New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena.Thierry Henry and Fabian Espindola scored for the hosts.