Martin Carruthers a relieved man as Ilkeston Town scrape through in FA Trophy

The Robins trailed 1-0 at the break following Alvin Magagada’s 36th minute opener.

But Ilkeston improved in the second half and levelled through Alex Troke’s header on 62 minutes.

Troke secured their place in the next round eight minutes later when he found the buttom corner.

“It wasn’t a classic and we had a few choice words at half time. I wasn't happy with the tempo or energy, we looked tired,” said Carruthers.

“They are not a very good side and we said we could win it still, we just needed some tempo.

“Once we scored I thought we would go on and win the game. At times we looked a bit too open, but in the end we got the job done.

“On another day against a better side we could lose the game if we start like that.

“We showed character to come back. In cup games it's just about finding a way to win and not the performance.”

Carruthers chose to rest players for the tie with games coming thick and fast.

But it didn’t go to plan with Ilkeston picking up two more injuries ahead of the mouth-watering FA Cup clash with National League high-flyers Hartlepool United.

“We identified in training that we were getting knocks and niggles so we rotated it and rested a few,” added Carrurthers.

“We have a lot of games coming up and it was time to freshen it up and rest players.

“Unfortunately today we had Kieran Fenton come off early with a bad ankle and he could be out for a while. Billy Bennett also picked up a hamstring strain so it didn't go to plan.

“We seem to take one step forward and two steps back with the injuries at the moment.”

“I have had a good record against Hartlepool in my career.

They are up at the top of the National League and we couldn’t have got a much more difficult game.

“It is a huge task for us, but that is what the FA Cup is all about and hopefully we can pull off a shock.”

Ross Durrant was called into action in the 16th minute after some James Reid sloppily gave away possession.

Riece Bertram cleared off his line four minutes later after Durrant was caught out.

Mason Lee had a shot saved on 22 minutes as the home side tried to get firing.

Erin Amu dragged a shot wide moments later for the visitors when he should have done better.

But Rovers hit the front through Magagada after good work by Jordan Slama.

Zak Goodson came on after 53 minutes and made a difference nine minutes later when he set up Troke to steady the Ilkeston nerves.

The comeback was completed following a cool finish by Troke on 70 minutes.

Peter Denton saved well from Goodson on 75 minutes as Town looked to make the game safe.

Joe Maguire shot wide on 81 minutes after Denton had dropped the ball.

Durrant saved well from a free-kick with five minutes to go as Ilkeston saw out an unconvincing victory to progress.