Ilkeston Town’s FCB side had to make do with a 2-2 draw as they opened their Notts Senior League Premier Division campaign at Awsworth Villa on Saturday.

In what was the young Robins’ first ever competitive match, Ilkeston began the game the better side and were making Villa have to chase the ball, but chances for Seke Spence and Mo Sillah went begging.

Awsworth couldn’t match Ilkeston’s early energy and the visitors went in front when Ayleal Dill went through on goal and confidently slotted past the goalkeeper.

Ilkeston continued to dominate and created plenty of chances, including an effort which hit the crossbar, and finally got their second goal through Ricco Spencer (pictured) who went around the goalkeeper and finished well for a 2-0 half-time lead.

However, Ilkeston began the second-half slowly and Villa began to gain confidence, soon pulling a goal back as their striker finished well following a ball right through the heart of the defence, although FCB thought they should have had a penalty just beforehand.

Ilkeston then began to get careless in possession and Villa got their equaliser with around 20 minutes left after a lapse in concentration from the Robins’ defenders.

Both teams wanted the winner but neither could find the all-important goal.

Ilkeston starting XI: Watson, Simmons, Lloyd, Grace, Tait, Spencer, Spence, Richards, Sillah, Dill, Hall.

Man of the match: Ricco Spencer