Striker Gavin Knight proved an inspired Ilkeston substitute and rewarded his manager with a match-winning display in the 3-2 victory at home to Matlock Town.

He arrived with his team trailing but scored a 74th minute equaliser, driving the ball home after assistant manager Martin Carruthers knocked back a long throw-in. That gave Ilkeston hope of easing their UniBond Premier Division relegation woes.

With nine minutes left, the ball reached Knight on the edge of the penalty area and he curled it into the far top corner.



''I know what Gavin is all about,'' said Ilkeston manager Nigel Jemson, who took off the hard-working Jon Douglas to make way for the man who arrived on loan from Guiseley last month.

The season's biggest home gate witnessed an engrossing match which saw Ilkeston in front on 41 minutes.

Adam Muller ran through to drive the ball beyond keeper Phil Redmond.

Matlock resumed with vigour after the break and Simon Barraclough scored on 50 minutes. With the Gladiators rampant, they were in front eight minutes later when Laurence Hall headed in. Jemson responded by gambling on playing three strikers, pulling off wing-back Lee Featherstone to make room for Carruthers. Then along came Knight for his crucial cameo role.

The win was a relief to club officials, coming at a time when lawyers and accountants are preparing for a takeover following the death of club saviour Paul Millership in November.

Ilkeston: Senior, Powell, Brewer, Holmes, Winder, Timons, Gardner, Walker, Muller (Woolley 82), Douglas (Knight 63), Featherstone (Carruthers 72).

Referee: D Plowright (Nottingham).

Attendance: 416.

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