Wolverhampton Casuals vs Gresley Rovers
Agony – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Gresley finally clicked into winning gear at Wolverhampton last night but it all came too late.
Rovers have always set out to play attractive football under manager Frank Northwood. Sometimes the policy has paid dividends, sometimes it has not. Last night Gresley’s fans – who yet again made up the vast majority of the crowd despite the disappointment of seeing their title hopes dashed on Saturday, were treated to an enjoyable four-goal display.
But with another campaign ending in failure, the pundits may be asking if the right policies have been employed in seeking to achieve the ultimate aim of the title – and promotion to the Beazer Homes League.
Manager Frank Northwood was still hoping after last night’s win that promotion could be achieved.
“If we get into the Beazer Homes League that will make up for not winning the title,” he said. “I was speechless after Saturday. I believe we didn’t lose the League title we gave it away. And I feel for the committee, the fans and everyone connected with the club.”
There was no sign of disappointment on the field as Gresley turned on the style in the first half, Paul Acklam first setting up Brian Beresford for his 101st goal for Gresley then John Barry for his first after terrific approach work by Richard Denby.
Steve Astley offered Casuals a second half lifeline by flooring Steve Hawker in the box, allowing Tim Hadfield to reduce the arrears from the penalty spot, but then Derek Christopher turned the game back in Gresley’s favour by setting up two more strikes for Beresford, the second from the penalty spot.
Indeed, Beresford’s finishing was lethal – as it has been over the last three or four games – one wondered where the title might have gone if he – along with several others – hadn’t spent so much of the season in the treatment room.
Wolverhampton Casuals (0) 1
Gresley Rovers (2) 4
Scorers: Hadfield 64 (pen) (Wolverhampton Casuals); Beresford 34, 77, 80 (pen), Barry 40 (Gresley Rovers).
Wolverhampton Casuals: Newman, Cottrill, Butler, Hawker, Vaughan (Foster 80), Walters, Hadfield, Ingleby, Loftus, Leer, Tudor. Sub not used: Elliott.
Gresley Rovers: Aston, Dick, Adcock, Denby, Land, Astley, Barry, Christopher, Acklam (Fearn 68), Beresford, Lovell (Haynes 74).
Gresley man-of-the-match: Brian Beresford
Referee: K Dunn (Atherstone).
Attendance: 110
