Gresley Rovers vs Paget Rangers
Rovers fail in revenge bid – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Missed chances deprived Gresley Rovers of the satisfaction of revenge over bogey side Paget Rangers at the Moat Ground on Saturday.
The Sutton Coldfield club, Rovers’ vanquishers in League Cup and FA Vase already this season, came up against a steelier, more determined Gresley at the Moat Ground on Saturday.
And they were on the ropes almost from the off as Rovers tore forward, creating – and missing – a string of chances.
Manager Frank Northwood said afterwards: We thoroughly deserved to win. We took the game to them and we’re obviously disappointed we didn’t put our chances away.”
Tracey Norton was first to err when he turned onto Richard Denby’s cleverly flighted free kick in the third minute but shot over from inside the six-yard box.
Steve Astley, largely ineffective in his new midfield berth, shot wide from 25 yards then, after Denby and Norton had linked well, Paul Acklam put an angled shot too high – all this in the opening 12 minutes.
Paget gritted their teeth after losing defender Mark Link and Gresley were never again to enjoy such dominance. Indeed, the visitors could have rubbed in the agony had Derek Christopher converted a clear chance created by Pat Williams’ bustle and strength.
Them Williams saw a goalbound header from a Christopher corner headed against the bar by Peter Perry.
One goal would have clinched the points but Norton shot disappointingly wide after being put clear by Christopher’s backpass. Then the big striker’s flick put Kieron Smith clear but he shot straight at keeper John Heath when a goal seemed certain.
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Paget Rangers (0) 0
Gresley Rovers: Aston, Bottomley, Perry, Denby, Land, Skeemer, Guest (Nicklin 87), Norton, Acklam (Maddocks 45), Smith, Astley.
Paget Rangers: Heath, Taylor, White, Bennett, Link (G Williams 17), Jones, Scally, Whipps, Sandiford, Christopher, P Williams. Sub not used: Capaldi.
Gresley man-of-the-match: Richard Denby.
Referee: G Benwell (Eccleshall).
Attendance: 397
