Thursday, 28th August 2008

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- Andy Parker – Burton Mail

18th January 1987
Gresley went into the draw for the Fifth Round of the FA Vase today for the first time in their 106-year history.

But the club was just minutes away from having the glory of its finest hour torn away by the elements, it emerged after Saturday’s historic 2-1 win over Northampton Spencer.

With the Moat Ground swathed in thick fog referee Peter Stubbs of Nottingham was seriously considering abandoning the tie in the second half.

Said Rovers manager Frank Northwood: “I spoke to the referee at half time and he told me that if the score stayed 1-1 he would think of calling the game off. I’m just glad that we scored the deciding goal and not them.”

And Rovers skipper Steve Dolby confirmed: “Both captains spoke to the referee at half time and told him that if he was going to call the game off, he should do it then. It would have been very difficult for him to abandon the tie with one side ahead.”

Fortunately for Rovers, Mr Stubbs allowed the game to reach its conclusion despite the fact that most of the action was hidden from the crowd of 815 – Gresley’s biggest ever for a Vase tie and the largest at the Moat Ground since Boxing Day, 1986, visit of Atherstone United.

Ironically, Saturday’s win – achieved by two goals from back-to-form striker Brian Beresford either side of half time – could set up another big derby clash.

Both Atherstone – 4-0 victors at Haverhill Rovers – and Tamworth, 2-1 home winners over Haringey Borough, joined Gresley in the last 16 for today’s draw.

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