HIGHGATE United picked up their first Midlands Premier win since mid-September with a 3-1 victory over league leaders Ilkeston Town on Tuesday night.
Changes to the line-up which lost 2-1 away to Shepshed Dynamo last Saturday saw Aaron Brown make a start together with youngster Dylan Barkers and McCauley Manning return from injury.
Overall the game was evenly balanced but Gate’s cause was helped by the 20th minute sending off of Town’s Paolo Piliero for a two footed lunge on Manning.
However, by that stage Gate had already proved more than a match for the lively Robins who had created the better of first half chances, with Tom Marshall striking the cross bar minutes before the break.
Gate’s best chance had earlier fallen to Manning who had seen keeper Liam Mitchell tip over a goal bound 20-yard volley but it was the visitors who were to take a 52nd minute lead when Elliot Reeves curled a shot past Brad Catlow.
Lei Brown forced home a 61st minute equaliser in a goalmouth scramble then headed his side in front in 69th minute with a goal of quality following good interplay between Marco Adaggio and Manning.
The third and decisive goal came five minutes later, with Aaron Brown completing a fully deserved win with a powerful header off full back Dylan Barker’s cross.
Highgate entertain Worcester City on Saturday.
