WESTFIELDS lost ground in the Midlands League Premier Division title-race after conceding a double to leaders Ilkeston.

The pacemakers are now seven points ahead of their city rivals, who have played two games more.

But matters might well have been different had substitute Carlos Moreira been able to convert a great chance just after the break with the score at 1-1, only for the winger to scoop the ball over the bar.

Ilkeston made an excellent start when Jamie Walker's free-kick from 40 yards out flashed past Keiron Blackburn in the home goal.

But Fields kept up the pressure with balls flashing across the penalty area with dangerous crosses from Ben Hayes and Aidan Thomas.

The home side's efforts paid off on the half-hour when Jamie Molyneux was brought down on the right hand side of the penalty area and Craig Jones curled a low free kick into the bottom corner to put the sides level at the break.

Moreira had his opportunity not long after being introduced as a second-half substitute by Fields boss Andy Bevan.

And the miss proved costly as in the 76th minute Ilkeston got what proved to be the winning goal when Tom Marshall headed home a Reeves cross after Ilkeston had taken a short quick corner.

Westfields still had opportunities to get back into the game.

Jones shot agonisingly wide from the edge of the penalty area and the Ilkeston keeper twice made flying saves to keep the visitors in the game.

And then, to round off a disappointing afternoon, Westfields were reduced to 10 men with just two minutes remaining when centre-back Paul Hurrell was sent off for receiving two yellow cards.

On Saturday Fields are at home to Boldmere St Michaels in the Midland Football League, kick-off 3pm.