ILKESTON Town boss Kevin Wilson is hoping his injury-stricken squad can provide some much-needed cheer for the club's long-suffering fans by beating local rivals Eastwood Town tomorrow.

The Robins take on the Badgers at the New Manor Ground, ahead of their High Court hearing next week.

Ilkeston face a winding-up order over £47,000 of unpaid taxes and chairman Gary Hodder has warned that the Blue Square Bet North club could go into administration, which would mean a 10-point deduction.

A transfer embargo means Wilson is not allowed to add to his squad of 16. He currently has eight players with injuries, while Jake Picton is banned for the next three games.

Chukkie Eribenne is almost certainly out with a back problem, with goalkeeper Dan Lowson, Amari Morgan-Smith, Gary Ricketts, David Graham, Stuart Giddings, Craig Reid and Rikki Bains all carrying knocks.

Wilson was given permission to draft in young stopper Kyle Clancy for the last two games but Lowson (back) could return tomorrow.

"We're very much stretched to the limit at the moment but we are hanging in there," said the manager.

"We have eight on the treatment table at the moment and it will just be a case of waiting to see who is available.

"We've just got to keep going and if we can get through this, we can get through anything. We will know one way or the other what is going to happen to the club next week and I'm just hoping it will be a positive outcome."

As for the Eastwood clash, Wilson added: "I don't need to get anyone up for this one. It's a local derby and everyone wants bragging rights. We are looking forward to it, despite everything else that is going on at the moment."

The Robins managed a 1-1 draw at Hyde last Saturday, despite makeshift defender Laurie Wilson being dismissed for a professional foul inside the opening minute.

But their lack of numbers and fit players told on Monday as they lost 5-2 to Gainsborough Trinity.

Wilson paid tribute to his team and the fans.

"It wasn't a good result but the performance wasn't bad," he said. "The lads gave everything.

"A lot of players would walk away from a club when things are not going well. That is the easiest thing in the world to do – but they have stayed and battled on in difficult circumstances.

"The fans have been fantastic as well. On Monday, even when we were 5-2 down, they were singing their hearts out, which was great to see."

Tomorrow has been designated Non-League Day and Ilkeston are offering £2 off admission to anyone with a valid Derby County, Nottingham Forest or Notts County season ticket or match-day ticket from last month.

Amari Morgan-Smith has been named in the contingency squad for England C's friendly against Wales Under-23s in Newtown on Tuesday, September 14.