Gresley Rovers vs Hednesford Town
A very depleted Youth Team due to illness and work commitments, one namely the Manager Bob corner who was too ill to attend, we'd like to with a "get well soon" to all our staff.
The fixture was going to be a difficult one because of all the absentees, Alan Ball (coach) and myself were under pressure to get something from our squad who have been playing good football but failing at times to create and score which puts added pressure on our defence.
A patient but solid start from Gresley allowed us to grow in confidence when after 17 mins defensive midfielder Kevin Mitchell found space in the Hednesford area to drill a low shot into the net.
The opposition though, then had a very good spell, putting our back four under immense pressure and pulling a string of saves from keeper Tom Lenihan. Our defence was finally breeched 10 mins before the interval when we saw the ball hit our net from a quality 18-yard strike curling into the near corner. We were kept under this pressure until the half time whistle finally came.
Second half saw us start as the better team with left and right sided mid-field players getting further up the field and creating good chances. Johnny Guthrie played a great one two with Pete Wileman and went on to set up Dwain Alexander playing in an unfamiliar striker's role who had no hesitation and struck first time from just inside the box beating the keeper on his right hand side. Johnny Guthrie went on to start and finish a move involving Pete Wileman and Stu Lynne and then slotting in from close range to put us 3 - 1 up.
Hednesford Town then got the bit between their teeth and through extra men forward looking to get something oat of the game. With 20 mins reaming they played very direct and had us on our heels but Kris Vernon and Chris Mawbey stood firm and never folded forcing the play as much as possible. Substitutes Andy Foster and Adam Cliff came on in central midfield and up front respectively formation now being 4-5-1 to try and protect our lead. With only a few minutes left on the clock we were hit with the sucker punch when conceding a corner from which Tom Lenihan mis-handled and they slotted home from short range. This was how it was to finish at 3 - 2 with a good solid performance from Gresley.
Key performances came from Kris Vernon, Chris Mawbey, Johnny Guthrie and man of the match Pete Wileman who put in a stunning performance in the centre of the park. More pleasing for me was that it was a good team performance with all players putting in 110%.
Final score:
Gresley Youth 3
Henersord Town 2
Thank you for your support.
Dean Amess (Assistant Manager)
Alan Ball (Coach)
