Ilkeston win gives FCUM real hope for playoff finish

FC United of Manchester gave themselves a superb chance of reaching the Northern Premier League play-offs with a stunning 1-0 win at Ilkeston Town on Saturday afternoon. Danny Williams hit a last-gasp effort in true United-fashion as the Red Devils ended Ilkeston's 23-match unbeaten run. If Karl Marginson's men can win promotion, they'll be playing Conference North football next season.

The Red Rebels beat Ilkeston 3-1 at Gigg Lane earlier in the season - but FC's promotion rivals followed that defeat with a 23-match unbeaten run.

However, FCUM made sure that run came to an end with a last-gasp away win that kept their play-off dreams very much alive.

Williams poked the ball home from close range to send the travelling fans into ecstasy as FC, unbeaten since March 8th, made it 23 points from their last possible 27.

Marginson’s men now sit 3rd in the Northern Premier League table – though they have played a game more than many of their rivals.

There’s plenty of permutations to calculate – and some mid-week games that FC fans will be keeping a very close eye on – but it’s looking increasingly likely that victory next Saturday against Bradford Park Avenue will secure the Rebels’ place in the top five and seal a play-off berth.

Good luck to all at FC in their quest for promotion to the Conference North. A fourth successive promotion would be an incredible achievement.