Match Report  |  Coventry United vs Gresley FC

Alfie Burley

Gresley ended up on the wrong side of a seven goal thriller as they fell to defeat at the Butts Arena.

It was an entertaining affair in Coventry, a Lewis Ison own goal was cancelled out by goals from Christopher Camwell and Matthew Gardner to give United the lead at half time. In the second period the goals didn’t stop flowing, Joe Haines originally levelling proceedings early in the half for the Moatmen, before another goal from Gardner and a late strike from Joe Carey sealed three points. Alby Lansdowne did nod in an injury-time consolation, but they couldn’t find what would’ve been a very dramatic equaliser.

The early stages of the game didn’t represent the full picture at all as neither side could create any real clear chances. If any side looked the more likely it was the home side, a dangerous ball in from Camwell just evading Aaron Williams at the back post.

Yet, it would be Gresley who would take the early lead in the 24th minute, when a good ball from Joe Haines was picked up on the by line by Adam Skeldon. The winger twisted and turned before firing in a dangerous cross from a tight angle which was ultimately turned into his own net by Ison at the near post.

However, despite controlling proceedings after scoring, the Moatmen were pegged back just eight minutes later when after winning possession back in midfield, Camwell drove to the edge of the box before finding the top corner with a stunning strike.

Gresley didn’t seem rattled by being pegged back however, and would’ve been back in front if Reece Francis hadn’t pulled off a great save to deny Skeldon directly from a free kick. Coventry, meanwhile, would not be denied at the other end, completely turning the game on it’s head in just three first half minutes. A fantastic overlapping run from Lewis Hudson was matched by his perfect delivery, which was duly headed in by the ex-Moatman, Gardner to give United the lead after having fallen behind.

This really did seem to knock Gresley’s confidence however as Coventry piled the pressure on at the end of the half and should’ve made it three in added time as Kyle Carey’s lob trickled just wide of the far post.

The second half started how the first had ended, both sides creating chances at either end. This was highlighted as Parchment rounded the ‘keeper before crossing for Lansdowne whose header was comfortably saved, before the home side went up the other end and forced Ben Allsop into a fantastic instinctive save, Camwell’s back stick header getting parried away to safety by the in-form goalkeeper.

It looked, however, like the pattern of the Moatmen’s last away game at Wulfrunians would be followed here as they levelled just after the break. Joe Haines was found in far too much time and space on the edge of the box, and the creative forward took no hesitation in curling his shot past a rooted Reece Francis.

The fact that the contest was still level a few minutes later was down to Allsop. Camwell found acres of space down the left flank however Allsop narrowed the angle well and snuffed out what was a golden opportunity. The home side wouldn’t be denied seven minutes later, taking the lead 20 minutes from time. Danger man, Camwell whipped a delicious ball into the box, onto the head of Gardner who notched his second of the game and Coventry’s third to hand United the lead again.

As McDermott chased the game and continued to make attacking substitutions, Coventry exposed the space, and Allsop was all that stood between them and sealing it. The Gresley stopper denied both Camwell and O’Grady before the home side eventually sealed it. With the away side pushing, Joel Howes gave away possession in the defensive third, allowing Carey to take advantage. The midfielder drove at the Gresley defence, cutting inside before firing beneath the body of Ben Allsop and extending United’s lead.

The Moatmen did show their fighting spirit late on though, and despite it not counting for anything, Skeldon’s late corner was well headed into the net by Lansdowne to reduce the deficit.