Russell makes case with hat-trick

Bermuda striker Antwan Russell pushed his claims for a starting spot in Ilkeston FC’s first team with a hat-trick against Burton Albion in the Central Conference league on Monday night.

Ilkeston manager Kevin Wilson sent out a team of players largely on the fringes of the starting XI at the Northern Premier League Premier Division club, with former Robin Hood striker Russell lining up alongside the likes of Callum Chettle, Danny Gordon, Matt Baker, Aaron Webster and Kane Richards.

And the Bermudian responded with an eye-catching display in the 4-2 away win. His first was a cool finish, while the second saw him race away from the defence before tucking home. The 27-year-old wrapped up his treble when he closed down Burton's keeper, forcing him to mess up his clearance and allowing Russell to convert the ricochet.

Wilson told the club website: “Our strikers have been short of goals in recent weeks so it’s good for us that Antwan has scored three very good goals and, hopefully, he will get encouragement from that. Ultimately, we hope it provides him with confidence he needs going into the weekend’s match.”