Anthony Dwyer scored his 13th in all competitions but United could only be held 1-1 by 10-man Ilkeston Town at the Microlise New Manor Ground on Saturday afternoon.

After a dominant first period, Dwyer stroked home the opener with 18 minutes remaining, but Remaye Campbell equalised late on to ensure a share of the spoils on derby day.

United may have led as early as the first minute when a neat pass through to Tyreace Palmer saw a low header held by Ollie Battersby, who went one better minutes later to deny Courey Grantham’s top corner-bound strike on the half-volley.

Palmer had another chance go his way, but a header flashed across the goal mouth and then Ben Starkie again tested Battersby, this time the ‘keeper swatting away from close range as the visitors controlled the opening 20 minutes.

Josh Barnes then opted for power over placement to strike well wide on the angle, before another Starkie effort – this time rushed – flew well over the crossbar and Ilkeston eventually settled.

Called upon for the first time in half an hour, Kieran Preston saved smartly from Dempsey Arlott-John’s low hit before the hosts’ afternoon became even more challenging.

Dwyer chased a long ball over the top and found himself beyond Henri Wilder and was through on goal. Without any other option, the full-back hauled United’s talisman down and the man in the middle made no hesitation in sending Wilder for an early bath.

Backs to the wall and hoping for the respite of the half-time whistle, Town’s goal came under siege once more just before the break.

A patient build-up down the left allowed possible efforts for one of Dwyer, Barnes, and Matt Thornhill, before Dom Roma’s cross was flicked marginally wide by Palmer.

Ten minutes after the restart, Grantham again forced Battersby into a low stop and with Town offering very little, they were lucky to remain at ten when Jack Thomas was only cautioned for an elbow on Grantham down the left side.

A rare venture forward saw Jamie Ward nearly get in behind, only to be denied by an excellent Stern Irvine tackle and his efforts were rewarded at the other end when Dwyer put Basford ahead.

Grantham released Starkie and, with time and space, his low cross was perfect for the alert striker who stroked into the far corner out of reach of Battersby.

The introduction of Luther Munakandafa typically spurred United, and his excellent deke-and-cross was perfect for fellow substitute Gregg Smith who powered a header just over.

But with time ticking, and the points seemingly headed back to Greenwich Avenue, a break down the left allowed room for Arlott-John and his low cross – deflected – fell perfectly for Campbell who fired across Preston to seal an unlikely point.

Next up, Coalville Town make the trip from Leicestershire on Monday (2 January, 1pm).

UNITED: Preston; Roma, Irvine, McGowan, Beatson; Grantham, Thornhill (c) (Munakandafa 57’), Barnes, Starkie; Dwyer (Marshall 87’), Palmer (Smith 57’)
SUBS (not used): Campbell, Musson (GK)

ATT: 1001