Ilkeston 2, Halesowen 2

A LAST minute penalty cost the Yeltz all 3 points, as high flying Ilkeston snatched a point in Derbyshire last night, writes Reece Charlton.

Halesowen made five changes to the side that suffered defeat to Guiseley on Saturday, with Aaron Griffiths, Elliott Turner, Neil Mackenzie, Tom Tonks and Dan Bragoli all featuring.

The first chance Ilkeston had resulted with a goal, as David Morgan's free kick flew into the box and was nodded into the net by Halesowen's own Curtis Tilt, whose attempted clearing header flew into the net.

However, Neil Mackenzie showed his attacking presence was something that had been missing on Saturday, as his long rang effort fizzed just past the post.

Ilkeston nearly doubled their advantage on 38 minutes, as Tyrell Waite's shot smashed off the inside of the post and came back into play.

The Yeltz got the equaliser they were looking for a minute later, as Neil Mackenzie chested the ball down and he then blasted the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

The second half had dominated by Halesowen and they were finally rewarded for their effort wen Iyseden Christie was gifted too much space in the box, and he was able to poke the ball into the net.

But with 2 minutes of added time left, Halesowen conceded a soft penalty to throw Ilkeston a lifeline. Up stepped substitute Rob Duffy, who converted the penalty comfortably and send the Yeltz home disappointed after an impressive display.

Halesowen: Sargeant, Green, Griffiths, Bragoli (Forde), Hull, Tilt, Kettle, Tonks (Thompson-Brown), Christie, Mackenzie, Turner. Subs not used: Charlton, Haseley, Lait.

Attendance: 262