Rai Simons netted the goal which gave Ilkeston a valuable point and the pleasure of seeing their unbeaten run extended to 15 games.
It arrived with visitors Whitby Town looking likely to end that remarkable sequence after Niall Doran put them in front from close range following a 65th-minute free kick.
But Bermudian international Simons showed why he was next in line for a starting berth, following the sales of forwards Che Adams and Ashley Hunter, who are both now at Football League clubs.
After a fine game in last week’s win at Rushall Olympic, he scored in the 71st minute, showing persistence to go with his skills.
A back pass sowed doubts in the mind of Whitby keeper Shane Bland and Simons profited to force the ball home.
Ilkeston suddenly flowered into the vibrant side they can be. Midfield authority was imposed by Callum Chettle and David Morgan. James Reid began to burst along the left and Whitby could well have lost a point their first half richly deserved.
Rob Duffy, Mike Williams and Simons all came close in a mature display, which was especially notable because most of the players have not yet reached 20.
It left Ilkeston keeper Jordan Smith saying: “It is unbelievable to be part of this. The impressive thing is that it is not just 15 games unbeaten but 13 wins.
“There’s not a feeling of pressure on us and I think that’s because of our age, to be honest. We will just try to keep it going as long as we can.
“There is camaraderie and a team chemistry. We are really enjoying it.”
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