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	The Magazine Devoted to World-Wide Coverage of Women's Soccer
ILKESTON TOWN LADIES FOOTBALL
REPORTS	NEWS

• 1st Sept: vs Rickmansworth (h)
• 15th Sept: vs Surbiton (a)
• 22nd Sept: vs Croydon (a)
• 29th Sept: vs London Ladies (FA Cup) (a)

All support is welcome, and any further information regarding fixtures, and team news can be obtained from:llowery@rpms.ac.uk, or 0956 247769 (phone)

Massive expansion plans are under way at Ilkeston as they build the required infrastructure to challenge for honours next season.

Since Wayne Kennedy agreed to back the club and brought his entertainment and promotional skills to the ladies' game, attendees have gone from 30 to over 400 with an average attendance of around 220. Next season should see an even bigger increase as the ladles are to be sponsored by The Express a major local newspaper who will deliver the home match programme the Wednesday before Sunday's game to the whole 50,000 population of Ilkeston.

Facilities are already very good with a 3,000 capacity stadium whose pitch at the New Manor ground is rated the best in the premiere league. Further construction this summer will provide even better facilities. On the other side of town they have just acquired a training ground and a brand new ú100,000 club house with bar, changing rooms, etc., where the reserves and Under-14's will play.

ú20,000 budget has been set for next season to accommodate increased bonuses and lots of other benefits including a new luxury coach for away games. Whilst the girls will enjoy the best of everything off the pitch, training and playing demands are to be increased to ensure the best chance of success on the pitch.

Current management have been offered directorships as a reward for their fine work against all odds in recent years. New management are being sought with the expertise to improve the ladies' game in the country to match the best in other parts of the world.

New players are needed for next season and whilst the club is very ambitious for success they are also keen to retain the fabulous atmosphere and little town spirit that is within the club.

Central Television has recordeda 30 minute documentary about the club which will be shown on ITV at 7.30 pm on Tuesday May 28. Wayne is continually lobbying the FA to push the ladies' game more and it should be very interesting to see how Ilkeston progress over the forthcoming season.

Most of the women began their weekend on Saturday by travelling to Burton to cheer on the men in their vital league match. They obviously drew inspiration from a very committed performance they needed to show the same deternination for Sunday's premier league visit of FA Cup finalists Liverpool.

After 34 minutes Allison Brown was awarded a free kick after being brought down whilst dribbilin through the Liverpool midfield. Georgia Pinston blasted a free kick from25 yards and Rachael Brown in the Livetpool goal had to make a good save diving to the bottom right-hand corner. 4 minutes later Allison Kirk broke through on her own and the Liverpool keeper saved bravely at her feet in the penalty box.

4 minutes after the restart Allison Brown pushed the ball left into the path of Georgia Plinston who smashed an angled shot just past the post. It was 52 minutes before Ilkeston keeper Jane Goldsbury had to make her first serious save when she tipped a dipping shot over the bar. On 60 minutes the Ilkeston keeper was again in the thick of the action when Liverpool and England striker Karen Burke accidentally collided with her as the ball just went past the post. It was looking like a no score game until the 91st minute when Ilkeston were awarded a free krck on the edge of the Liverpool area. Georgia Pillston again blasted one of her specials which was blocked by the wall. She followed up with another hard shot theich the goalkeeper could only parry and Alison Kirk tapped home the winner on the far post. This was a disciplined performance by Ilkeston which deserved all 3 points and hopefully they can do the same to their Merseyside neighbors this Sunday in their next home league match.