Defensive duo boost Robins push

Ilkeston's Kevin Wilson has strengthened his defence with the loan signings of defenders Jake Wholey and Jide Maduako, writes Matt Halfpenny.

The Robins manager added the pair to the ranks of his Evo-Stik Northern Premier League squad on Friday ahead of Saturday's clash with Stafford Rangers at the New Manor Ground.

Wholey is a 19-year-old left-back from League One Notts County. He follows in the footsteps of previous Magpies loanees this season, Greg Tempest and Curtis Thompson. The teenager has made two senior appearances at Meadow Lane and is a direct replacement for Steven Smith, who's returned to Leicester City following the end of his loan spell.

Maduako, 18, spent time with the Robins before Christmas but was forced to return early to parent club Leicester after picking up an ankle injury. He's credited with helping to inspire the start of Ilkeston's unbeaten run of eight games and subsequent climb up the table them that now sees them harbouring play-off ambitions.

Both players are expected to figure against the Staffordshire side and go straight into Wilson's squad to give the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division manager the extra defensive competition he's been looking for.

Wilson said: "We are looking to keep more clean sheets and we feel Jake, as well as Jide, can help us do that. The lads who we have brought in on loan this season have come from League clubs where they are training every day. That means they are fit, strong and raring to go and I'm sure Jake and Jide will be no different this time."

"Jake comes highly recommended. He's a player who likes to get forward at every opportunity and is a natural left-footer. Jide was good for us the last time he was here and he's keen to come back because he saw how much benefit he got from playing with us before. Leicester felt that too as he went back there as a better player."