Rushall Olympic 2 Ilkeston 2

The away side struck twice in a six-minute spell to claim a deserved point in the 2-2 draw.

On a freezing cold night at Dales Lane, both sides played some excellent football and Ilkeston survived when Matt Baker cleared off the line.

However, two minutes before the break the home side went ahead.

Malachi Lavelle-Moore played a fine ball through to fellow strike partner Josh McKenzie, who finished confidently with a smart right foot shot.

The home side went close to doubling their lead, but visiting goalkeeper Jamie Hannis dived bravely at the feet of Alex Reid. From the resultant corner, Lavelle-Moore saw his header cleared off the line.

Ilkeston hit back and were close to an equaliser, but Kris Taylor was in the right place to divert Mike Williams header into the grateful arms of goalkeeper Ryan Price.

Play was now switching from end to end and Alex Reid's shot was pushed away for a corner and then, at the other end, Luke Shaw saw his header straight at Price.

With 19 minutes left on the clock, the home side doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.

Keeper Hannis brought down Reid and Jake Heath calmly converted the spot-kick. Hannis was fortunate to have remained on the pitch, as he was clearly the last man.

Ilkeston then began to get back in the game and impressive substitute Lee Ndlovu made a startling impact.

On 74 minutes, they pulled a goal back when a cross from Joe Doyle was headed powerfully home by Michael Williams.

Then, just six minutes later, Danny Udoh played a clever through ball for Ndlovu to finish calmly past the advancing Price.

Udoh and Ndlovu combined again moments later but, this time, the substitute saw his effort fly wide. The impressive Williams went close again but, this time, his shot was blocked.

Meanwhile, Rushall completed the loan signings of Jamie Spencer and Kieran Morris ahead of kick-off.

Striker Spencer, 22, joins for his second Dales Lane spell while defender Morris joins from Worcester City.