Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
The big one
Story courtesy of Rex Page - Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers are still painfully aware that they squandered once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to emulate Burton Albion and take a magical trip to Wembley last season.
Victory at Warrington in the Fourth Round of the FA Vase would have taken them within three games of the unchallenged high spot in their 105-year history.But it was the Cheshire side, 3-2 down with only eight minutes remaining, who won a pulsating battle.
Moat Ground regulars do not take kindly to being reminded that Warrington went on to bathe in glory beneath those legendary twin towers, albeit as the losing finalists.
If nothing else, however, that ‘near miss’ served as ample proof of the fact that Rovers should show a healthy respect – but by no means fear – to anyone in this season’s competition.
They disposed of opponents from an assortment of leagues last season and, already this term, have seen off the challenge away from home of Central Midlands Supreme Division side Harworth CI.
In all probability, then, it will be Mile Oak Rovers and not Gresley who are feeling apprehensive about tomorrow’s second round confrontation at the Moat Ground.
Mile Oak have lost more games than they have won in the Beazer Homes League Midland Division and their record suggests they are not particularly good travellers.
Their only away wins so far have been by 1-0 at Bilston in the league and by 2-1 at West Midlands Police in the preliminary round in the Vase.
Those statistics provide a stark contrast to the form displayed by Gresley at the Moat Ground, where only Oldbury have managed to avoid defeat this season.
“We’ll let them do the worrying,” was manager Frank Northwood’s predictably curt appraisal of the game.
“But we know we threw away a good chance in the Vase last season and I’m sure the boys are in the mood to put the record straight. Our priority is to win the League so that we can gain promotion and play teams like Mile Oak week in and week out. We think we are good enough and tomorrow gives us an opportunity to prove it.”
