THE name of Che Adams was on the lips of Ilkeston fans but they happily chatted about Ashley Hunter by the end of their trip to the seaside.
The former Burton Albion teenager marked his Evo-Stik Premier Division debut with two goals as he replaced Adams, who has joined Sheffield United. He could have scored four in a display bursting with enthusiasm.
The 19-year-old went home clutching the sponsor's gift of a bottle of Cava and laughed: "I'll hand it to my mum. I didn't expect to be playing. I was told half-an-hour before the start. I thought I did all right and enjoyed it all."
He quickly won praise from captain Joe Maguire, who said: "With Che going, he had big boots to fill and Ash was great for us."
Early on, Maguire was dazed when hit in the face by Matthew Brown's shot but Whitby soon felt groggy when Maguire headed in a corner after 16 minutes.
The hosts were level at the 30-minute mark from a free kick just outside the penalty area. Steven Snaith ran over the ball and Dale Hopson lashed it into the corner.
The match was even until after the break and then Ilkeston took control. James Reid's intelligence came to the fore and Rob Duffy's cleverness was a boon for Hunter and Kane Richards.
Steven Snaith and Niall Doran threatened goal but Maguire's back line was resolute. Keeper Jordan Smith saved from Matthew Waters before the Robins settled the issue.
Kieran Wallace got forward in the 67th minute and his high cross was headed for goal by Duffy. Hunter helped it over the line.
After 81 minutes, he pulled a shot wide before his name echoed around the ground as the sponsor's choice for visiting man of the match.
He barely needed the encouragement and ensured the win in the 90th minute. His shot was blocked but he buried the rebound.
WHITBY TOWN: Bland, Shepherd, Robinson, Hassan, Bullock (Burgess, 36), Hopson, Doran, Brown (Farrell, 81), Waters, Snaith, Mason (Gardner, 69). Other subs: D Williams, Campbell.
ILKESTON: Smith, Reid, Wallace, Wright (Baker, 63), Maguire, Lane, Morgan, Chettle, Duffy, Richards (Bako, 90), Hunter (M Williams, 90+3). Other subs: Simons, Shaw.
REFEREE: C Ellis.
ATTENDANCE: 277.
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