Martin Carruthers hails quality after Ilkeston win on opening day.

Goals from Nat Watson, Alex Troke and Zak Goodson did the damage as the Robins got off to a dream start.

“There is still lots of work to do, but what a great start,” he said. “I'm absolutely ecstatic with the result.

“To come here to one of the title favourites, against a quality side and a quality set-up, and take three points on the opening day is a phenomenal achievement.

“The boys were great from start to finish. They have turned up the last two games.”

Carruthers was also left delighted by the battling spirit of his side and how they reacted then the going got tough.

“We said at half-time about keeping it tight and staying in the game so it was a poor goal to concede a goal so early,” he added.

“We switched off and were under pressure for ten minutes or so.

“Then we scored a real good goal and then another one. We made some changes to shore it up and were hanging on at the death, but that is what football is all about.

"We have worked hard in training on shape and combination play, as well as defensive and set pieces.

“We know how crucial it is to train at the right items and it’s hard with midweek games coming thick and fast.

“It was great having such a good following. The fans drove us home today."

Ilkeston were ahead on 14 minutes when Nat Watson scored his first league goal for the club after being played in by Zak Goodson.

Jack Thomas went close with a long range shot on 20 minutes

Cleethorpes levelled two minutes after the restart after a slow start by the Robins.

But they quickly found their feet again and went in front on 58 minutes when Alex Troke slotted home after another assist by Goodson.

Ollie Brown-Hill had shouts for a penalty waved away following a collision with the Clethorpes goalkeeper on 64 minutes.

It was 3-1 when Goodson was played in by James Reid on 72 minutes.

The Robins were left clinging on at the death after conceding a penalty two minutes into stoppage time.