Sunday, 12th October 2008

News Archive

- Andy Parker – Burton Mail

16th September 1991
Legendary South Derbyshire-born goal keeper Jack Fairbrother was a surprise visitor to Raunds Town’s Kiln Road ground on Saturday to provide a poignant and nostalgic reminder to visitors Gresley Rovers of what they were playing for.

Now a sprightly 74, Fairbrother, a member of Newcastle United’s all-conquering side of the early 1950s, now lives a stones throw from the Northamptonshire’s club’s newly-built ground and turned up to greet Rovers clutching a 1951 winner’s medal.

Gresley, though, looked like stumbling at the very first hurdle of this season’s competition when they went behind to a debatable 59th minute penalty – only to level through a John Barry spot kick 14 minutes from time.

Coach Steve Dolby confessed later: “I thought we were on the way out when they scored. The way the game was going I thought we weren’t going to get back into it – but we showed character to come back.

“The conditions meant it was an awful game and we didn’t play that well – but we’ll be looking to finish the job tomorrow.”

Striker Paul Acklam was withdrawn after 73 minutes of Saturday’s game with a groin injury but hopes to be fit for tomorrow’s replay at the Moat Ground (7.45pm).

Rovers will be hoping to clinch a lucrative second qualifying round tie at home to Beazer Homes Premier Division leaders VS Rugby, who beat Lincolnshire side Stamford 2-0 at Butlin Road on Saturday.

The winners of that game must then travel to either Chasetown, Bilston Town or Banbury United in the third qualifying round.

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Rovers Make A Point On The Road

Lincoln Pre-match News

At home to:
Willenhall Town (UniBond President's Cup 2nd Round)

Tuesday 14th October, 7.45pm

View previous encounters with Willenhall Town