Baldock Town vs Gresley Rovers
Wheatley the show stopper for Moatmen
Andy Parker - Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers plumbed their reserves of strength and resolve to return from their first ever trip to Norton Road with their first away win of the season.
A glittering solo effort from Graeme Fowkes sewed up the points but just as vital was the contribution of second string keeper Mark Wheatley at the opposite end of the field as Gresley found newly-promoted Baldock lacked nothing in spirit and determination.
Wheatley's first team opportunities have been limited, both in the Bob Aston era and the following summer recruitment of Stuart Ford.
But with the new boy sidelined by suspension on Saturday the Ashby-based second stringer took full advantage of the opportunity to remind boss Steve Dolby of his abilities.
Wheatley made crucial stops in both halves to set up Rovers' victory then admitted: "I was pleased with my saves, but I expect Stuart will be back in goal on Tuesday. He wants to get back into the League and I wish him all the best. If he does, perhaps I'll get my chance then."
Wheatley produced confidence-boosting saves from the best of Baldock's early efforts, most of them stemming from the muscular presence of giant centre forward Glenn Russell, a well-struck 25-yard free kick from Darren Fenton with just five minutes on the clock and a similar effort from winger Shaun Debenham 14 minutes later being the pick.
And when Debenham crossed to set up team mate Steve Cook with a powerful header from point blank range the Rovers keeper produced the save of the game to push the ball away as he dived to his left.
Rovers were defending with not inconsiderable resolve but, despite some neat approach play, rarely looked like finding a chink in Baldock's defensive armour with Richard Denby's well struck shot from the angle of the penalty area into the side netting their best chance of the first half.
With the interval reached and the scoreline blank there was reason to believe that Rovers had weathered the best Baldock could offer but Wheatley was quickly in action again after the restart when Denby allowed Paul Bowgett's crossfield ball to skid underneath his boot, leaving Fenton with a clear run at goal.
The midfielder struck his shot well enough, but Wheatley was again equal to the effort and Baldock never looked quite so threatening again.
There was plenty of possession for the home side but Rovers, with Denby always looking to open the game up with long-range passing from deep and Andy Garner an ever-available target, were gradually looking more dangerous.
Garner rang alarm bells for Baldock by connecting well with Fowkes' lay off of Brain Horseman's cross only to find Jimmy Jones well-positioned to save but a minute later came the breakthrough.
Garner created the opening as he sent Fowkes clear on the right to relieve more pressure from the home side and the midfielder's run from halfway took him passed two challenges before the chance opened up to lash a fierce drive between the advancing Jackson and his near post.
There was an air of desperation about the home side now and David Taylor had chances to make the win more comfortable.
Released through the centre by Nathan Foster he first mis-hit his attempted chip over Jackson but then, after robbing Lee Graves, was felled by the keeper's challenge as he advanced into the penalty area and referee Jefcoate was the only one in the ground who didn't believe Rovers should have a penalty.
Baldock Town (0) 0
Gresley Rovers (0) 1
Scorer: Fowkes 74
Baldock Town: Jones, Bruce, Cullen, Graves, Bowgett, Kilby (Kamara 76), Debenham, Fenton, Guile, Russell, Cook (Chattoe 82). Sub not used: Stanton.
Gresley Rovers: Wheatley, Foster, Horseman, Denby, P Wardle, Stanborough, Fowkes (McGovern 82), Rigg, Garner (Hurst 82), Mann (Marsden 67), Taylor.
Gresley man-of-the-match: Mark Wheatley.
Referee: I Jefcoate (Milton Keynes)
Attendance: 277
