Hednesford Town vs Gresley Rovers
New name on the way – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers unveiled two new signings in last night’s 1-1 draw against Beazer Midlands outfit Hednesford Town and then hinted another could be on the way.
Rovers boss Frank Northwood pronounced himself “very pleased with the way we played in the first half” after seeing his side dominate their hosts for long periods before the break.
And Northwood hinted that he may be close to completing his rebuilding for the start of the new campaign, saying: “I have got one more iron in the fire at the moment, but you’ll have to wait and see on that one.”
A string of second half substitutions last night, though, showed Rovers have strength in depth in most departments.
And the performances of newcomers John Chamberlain and Phil Towle suggested competition for places could be even greater come the big kick off.
Towle, captured from Nottinghamshire outfit Hucknall, often looked dangerous wide on the left before switching to left back after the interval.
He played a crucial role in Gresley’s goal after 19 minutes. Gresley, having endured considerable pressure from the home side, broke down the centre and when Paul Acklam released his new colleague into space Towle produced a pinpoint cross for Kieron Smith to bury a close range header.
Gresley dominated after that but one moment of hesitation at the back blotted their copybook three minutes before the break, winger Joe O’Connor being allowed to progress as far as the penalty area before firing home.
Hednesford Town (1) 1
Gresley Rovers (1) 1
Scorers: O’Connor 42 (Hednesford Town); Smith 19 (Gresley Rovers).
Hednesford Town: Carter, Beattie, Page, Walsh, Green, Foster, Austin, Keeling, Malcolm, Stevens, O’Connor. Subs; Meeson, Wilkinson, Hill. L Aston, Boot, Tolley.
Gresley Rovers: R Aston, Barry, Dick, Denby, Land, Astley, Moore, Chamberlain, Acklam, Smith, Towle. Subs (all used): Simpson, Beresford, Bottomley, Christopher, Hudson.
Referee: S Andrews (Staffs).
Attendance: 237
