Saturday, 11th October 2008

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- Rex Page – Burton Mail

28th March 1986
The moment of truth has arrived for Gresley Rovers.

A scintillating run of nine wins and two draws this year has propelled Frank Northwood’s rejuvenated side into the top three of the Banks’s West Midlands League Premier Division.

Now their championship potential is about to face its most thorough examination.

On Saturday Rovers are at home to all-conquering Halesowen Town and on Monday morning they face high-flying neighbours Atherstone United also at the Moat Ground.

It is, as the French would say, Le Crunch.

Despite their marvellous form since their last defeat at Atherstone, on Boxing Day – Rovers are still very much outsiders for the title.

Halesowen have a slender lead over them at the moment, but more vitally they have enough games in hand to ease their way clear at the top of the table.

And Atherstone, though trailing Rovers at the moment, could leap above them when they start to eat away at their backlog of fixtures.

Quite simply, therefore, the pressure is on Gresley. They have set their stall out to win both games.

Saturday’s game against Halesowen is probably the most important they have played since joining the league 11 years ago.

It is also one that will force nerves to jangle in the dressing room long before kick off time.

Halesowen are enjoying another of those seasons when they seem unable to do wrong. Their fourth successive title is within sight and they have also tasted the glory of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup.

More spectacularly, their visit to the Moat Ground comes at the end of a week in which they earn a return visit to Wembley in the FA Vase for the third time in four years.

All this underlines the task which faces Rovers – but it also means they can expect their biggest crowd ever in the West Midlands League.

Rovers now attract a regular audience of more than 300 and Halesowen are expected to be backed by at least 200 of their own fans.

Throw in scores of uncommitted fans who are bound to be attracted by such an alluring contest and a crowd of 700 – 800 could be possible.

The Atherstone game on Easter Monday morning (11am) will take on even greater significance if Rovers can overcome Halesowen.

Furthermore, Gresley will be anxious to avenge a 5 – 3 defeat at Sheepy Road.

Rovers, defending into a gale-force wind, were blown apart and trailed 5 – 0 at the interval.

Their spirited second half recovery enabled them to repair their badly damaged pride, but even now the result is still a cause of consternation among the Gresley Players.

Their determination to put the record straight could be just the spur they need to ensure that their interest in the title chase is extended into the final month of the season.

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