Coleshill Town vs Gresley Rovers
Rovers slow to kick into gear – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
A patchwork Gresley Rovers side gently shook off the cobwebs after a summer of rest in a half-paced friendly at Coleshill on Saturday.
That last season’s Midland Combination strugglers were able to hold Rovers to a goalless draw was an indication of the sort of side the South Derbyshire side fielded: scattered with debutants and reserves and far removed from the line up that manager Frank Northwood has in mind for the Big Kick Off.
Nonetheless neither the unfamiliarity of the line up or the absence of a welter of key men – including the holidaying Northwood himself – could detract from the interest generated by Gresley’s first run out of what in many ways will be a make or break campaign.
Northwood has strengthened his squad in key positions and here was the opportunity to see what his typical summer signing spree had produced.
Paul Turner, who made a brief flirtation with Burton Albion a couple of years ago, added a cultured look to the right back position although a bone hard surface was hardly suited to showing off the physical side of the game.
And centre back Paul Wardle, an import from Belper Town, did enough after a poor first half to suggest that he will add to the competition for places in that department.
But there was little opportunity for the highly rated Steve Cant to show his striking credentials as Gresley were quick to click into gear.
Despite dominating possession the Moatmen rarely looked like sealing an opening victory after Andy Maddocks had seen two headers go narrowly off target and Graham Fearn had a thumping volley well saved.
Indeed, there was even the possibility of defeat when midfielder Tom Fitzgerald stole through unmarked but that was merely the cue for Bob Aston to produce the sort of save that reminded Rovers fans of his enduring qualities.
And when midfielder Colin Cooke produced the shot of the game in the 90th minute Aston again showed his mastery with an athletic, leaping save.
Gresley next go into action against Atherstone at the Moat Ground on Saturday. The cobwebs will need to be well and truly banished before then.
Coleshill Town (0) 0
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Coleshill Town: Yeomans, Bennett, Matthews, Cooke, Harden, Clarke, Hall, Gormley, Clayton, Rhodes, Fitzgerald. Subs: Moore, Bradley, Hewitt.
Gresley Rovers: Aston, Turner, Dick, Fearn, Wardle, Astley, Guest, Maddocks, Acklam, Cant, Wood. Subs: Bottomley, Wain.
Referee: D Holvey (Streetly).
Attendance: 100
