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McGing loses his way and his place
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers goalkeeper Phil McGing looks to have lost his place after being blasted by boss John McGinlay for turning up late for last nights 1-0 defeat at Stamford in the Dr Martens League Cup.
Birthday boy McGing broke down on his way to join up with his team-mates and arrived just before half time, forcing the Moatmen to call up 16-year-old Simon Baldwin with 10-minutes' notice.Baldwin acquitted himself well and he is set to turn down a trial at Notts County on Saturday so he can play for Rovers at home to Rugby United in the league.
Said a furious McGinlay: "I had a call from McGing to say he had broken down on the motorway, but thankfully Simon Baldwin came within 10 minutes of being asked and his performance was outstanding. Having later been given directions McGing got lost and eventually arrived just before half time, which is not acceptable at a professional club. He has had a few problems recently and last week asked for some time off, which I found hard to accept because his last couple of games have been excellent."
The Moat boss revealed Baldwin was set to turn down Notts County's invitation of a trial as he will almost certainly play against Rugby as McGing was not being considered.
Rovers lost the game 1-0, with the home side securing a place in the fourth round thanks to a controversial 19th minute penalty awarded for an Ian Bluck challenge on Malclom Ndweke, Martin Hardy sending Baldwin the wrong way from the spot.
McGinlay said of his side's showing: "I couldn't fault the players' effort for 90 minutes. In the first half we struggled to get the ball out of our own half on a heavy pitch, but there's no excuses for defeat, although I thought the penalty was somewhat dubious."
And McGinlay hinted that he might be ready to bring in fresh faces. "I was disappointed with our front two and we need more competition up front so it gives us the opportunity to vary things," he said.
