Northampton lost for the 11th time away from home, at Bradford City, but held on to their third-place position because of results elsewhere.
Northampton were sunk by Nahki Wells’ sixth goal against them, a simple tap-in after a mix-up between debutant defender Nathan Cameron and goalkeeper Lee Nicholls.
As promised Wells ended his goal drought, Wells yesterday said he was looking forward to finding the back of the net against Northampton a team he has a history of scoring against.
Over the last few weeks Wells has been playing but not getting coverage locally, but that will all change today.
The first 25 minutes ended with a goal from an inevitable source but by a calamitous method.
A long hook over the top bounced behind the defence, Lee Nicholls came out of his area to meet it and Nathan Cameron headed the ball away from him, leaving Wells with the simple task of tapping into an unguarded net.
Wells provided James Hanson with a square pass to make it two after outsprinting Carlsle down the inside-left channel but it was a fraction behind the big striker and he swiped at thin air.
Antwan Russell
Antwan Russell opened his goals account at the New Manor Ground with a classy second half finish as Ilkeston FC claimed a 2-2 draw against the Evo-Stik League's Premier Division front-runners.
As against Buxton in midweek, Russell joined the action with half an hour left and within minutes he made a crucial contribution, collecting the ball midway inside the North Ferriby half and tricking his way past a defender before calmly passing it into the net.
It was a moment for the Ilkeston FC faithful to savor in a match that was an absolute credit to the Evo-Stik League but sadly, it didn't prove to be the winner because North Ferriby were awarded a controversial penalty in the 74th minute.
Kevin Wilson's men caused themselves problems by gifting the visitors an early goal. When Maguire and young Ellis Storey both failed to deal decisively with a dangerous situation after 12 minutes, Danny Clarke grateful accepted his chance.
But Ilkeston FC deservedly leveled after 37 minutes when James Reid produced some magic on the left and delivered a low cross that was nonchalantly converted by Aaron Hooton.
Wilson was delighted for Russell that he demonstrated his potential less than a week after flying into this country. He added, "Russell showed his class with a fine goal and hopefully that's the first of many he will score for us. It would have been even better if it had been the winner."
