Gresley Rovers vs Chesterfield
Rovers’ rosebowl – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Gresley retained the Derbyshire Centenary Rosebowl last night in true World Cup style – beating Chesterfield in a penalty shoot out.
And the quick fire decider provided the highlight of the evening after the preceding, largely uneventful 90 minutes.
Goalmouth action was at a premium but when Rovers begin to cut a shine to their latest piece of silverware today they will at least be able to reflect that most of it came from them.
Chesterfield displayed their prowess at closing down the opposition to such effect that Gresley had to wait 24 minutes before getting keeper Mike Allison on his toes, full back Martin Dick sending a cross over the bar.
Skipper Richard Denby and trialist Stuart Stokes linked well to set up Mick Haynes with a chance before the break that Allison blocked when Stokes – a 20-year-old from Wolverhampton just released by Derby after three years at the Baseball Ground – produced a terrific cross from the right and Haynes volleyed just wide at the near post.
The action was even more sparse after the interval. Adrian Shaw and Steve Williams briefly threatening for Chesterfield and Lee Rogers momentarily raising Gresley’s hopes by heading narrowly over his own bar.
And so a shoot out it was. Keeper Bob Aston showed the way, converting the first kick for Gresley and Dick giving the home side a 2-1 lead.
John Chamberlain and Haynes failed to convert for Gresley but by this time Chesterfield had missed the target twice and seen another kick saved by Aston.
Andy Moore then wrapped up the result by giving Gresley an unassailable 3-1 lead.
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Chesterfield (0) 0
Gresley won 3-1 on penalties
Gresley Rovers: Aston, Barry, Dick (Elliott 45), Denby, Igoe, Moore, Stokes, Chamberlain, Smith, Haynes, Adcock (Adcock 45).
Chesterfield: Allison, Ogilvie, Clark, Shaw, Rogers, Hart, Rolph, Williams, Benjamin, Whitehead, Ward. Subs: Adboden, Cordner, A Smith, Wilkinson Brown.
Referee: G Stones (Walton).
Attendance: 270
