An inspirational debut by defender Stewart Holmes helped Crawley Town earn a 1-1 draw at Ilkeston.

Holmes, signed from Saltdean a few weeks ago, was thrown in by manager Billy Smith after skipper Luke Anderson and midfielder Scott Mean pulled out with flu and injury respectively.

Reds were overshadowed in the first half but battled back to extend their unbeaten Premier Division run to three games.

Smith said: "Two or three weeks ago it was a game we would more likely have lost but we are now on a run and starting to grow in confidence.

"I thought that Stewart was excellent. He didn't put a foot wrong."

Ilkeston took a 36th-minute lead when Jamie Clarke beat two defenders before slotting past goalkeeper Jimmy Glass.

The hosts dominated the early stages as Clarke threatened. Paul Eshelby drove wide and also had an effort ruled out for offside But Reds improved with strikers Leroy Huggins and Mark Hynes working hard.

Crawley equalised in the 65th minute following a double substitution by Smith, who brought on Francis Vines and Nigel Brake for Matt Woolf and Dave Powell.

Hynes pounced on a loose ball to fire home after he and Huggins had efforts blocked in a goalmouth scramble.

He almost sneaked a late winner for Crawley, while Ian Payne had to clear off the line at the other end.

St Leonards were condemned to a 2-0 eastern division defeat by two second-half goals from promotion-chasing Grantham Town.

Saints battled all the way but struggled after a poor throw from home goalkeeper Graham Bannatyne gifted Rick Ranshaw the first Saints manager Andy Thomson said: "That moment changed the game completely in their favour. Overall, they were probably the better side I've got no complaints really."

As Saints chased the game they left gaps at the back and Gary Bull hit home a penalty after being brought down by Adam Flanagan.