Evesham United 0-2 Ilkeston Town
Saturday 4th October 2025
Isuzu FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round

Match Report by Simon Purfield

Evesham United exited their second cup competition in seven days following a disappointing home loss to Northern Premier League side Ilkeston Town.

The first opportunity arose in the seventh minute when Kai Churchley’s effort was denied by Ilkeston goalkeeper Roberts after a failed clearance. A minute later, the visitors responded as Fox’s shot was saved, with the rebound deflected for a corner. Shortly afterwards, Stevenson sent a strike well over the crossbar.

Ilkeston Town took the lead in the 13th minute. Essien made a decisive run through the Evesham midfield before passing to Jordan Stevens, who cut in from the left and finished past Alex Harris into the bottom right corner.

Evesham’s best chance in the first half came in the 24th minute. Jyrel Bojang reached the right byline and delivered an excellent cross for Levi Steele, whose powerful header was well saved by Roberts.

On the half-hour mark, the visitors doubled their advantage. Following a cleared cross, Thornhill’s shot was blocked, but the rebound fell to Sheffield United loanee Seth Okyere, who unleashed an unstoppable 30-yard strike into the top right corner.

After the interval, Evesham began more positively, producing a couple of attempts on goal within eight minutes. However, in the 56th minute, a defensive error allowed Kirby-Moore through on goal, though Harris produced a fine save. On the hour, Steele broke free of his marker, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Roberts.

Substitute Lewis Middleton threatened twice in quick succession from a Will Owens cross, yet both attempts were well saved by Roberts.

Ilkeston nearly increased their lead in the 90th minute when Stevens capitalised on a misplaced pass from Harris, but his chip narrowly missed the target.

Evesham now return to Southern Premier League action on Saturday, hosting Tiverton Town.

ROBINS STARTING X1:
1 Alex Harris (GK), 5 Ethan Patterson, 6 Ioan Richards, 8 Reegan Messenger (64′ 7 Aaron Heap), 9 Levi Steele (64′ 17 Ethan Dunbar), 10 Amer Awadh (c), 11 Brandon Liggett (46′ 4 Josh Barlow), 12 Andre Wright (73′ 16 Lewis Middleton), 14 Will Owens, 15 Jyrel Bojang, 20 Kai Churchley

ROBINS UNUSED SUBSTITUTES:
13 Brendan Beard (GK)

ATTENDANCE: 295