Thursday, 16th October 2008

News Archive

- Andy Parker – Burton Mail

4th January 1991
Former Gresley boss and one-time Rams star David Nish is helping to plot the downfall of the Moatmen’s FA Vase opponents Billingham Town.

Current manager Frank Northwood contacted Nish – now youth team coach at Barclays League Second Division promotion hopefuls Middlesborough – soon after the Moatmen came out of the Vase fifth round draw paired with the Northern League side.

“I wrote to David to ask if he would run the rule over them and give us some idea of what we’ll be up against,” said Northwood, who hopes to secure a place in the last 16 of the prestigious competition by defeating the Teesiders at the Moat Ground on January 19.

“I was delighted when he rang to say he would be happy to oblige. He’s compiling a report for me, and I expect to receive it in good time before the game.

“It’s an important match for us, and any help we can get to make progress is more than welcome.”

It will be the first ever meeting between Gresley and the Northern League Second Division side, whose greatest claim to fame was the discovery of defender Gary Pallister, later to become Britain’s most expensive player when he moved from Middlesborough to Manchester United for £2,300,000.

In the meantime, Rovers hope to welcome back striker Paul Acklam for tomorrow’s visit of Wolverhampton Casuals, a side described as “the worst I’ve seen for years” by Northwood after his side’s 2-0 away win just a week ago.

That will present Northwood with the problem of who to leave out of a high scoring forward line. Acklam, last season’s top scorer, is currently trailing in third place in the goal-grabbing stakes. Brian Beresford is top scorer in all competitions with 17, with Kieron Smith on 16 and Acklam 12.

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