Westfields vs Gresley Rovers
Gresley established a new club record of 12 successive league wins but manager Frank Northwood was more concerned that his side had escaped unscathed from a bruising battle.
“We played well enough – I thought we did well to keep out of trouble,” he said after a game of four bookings – three from the home side – and innumerable reminders that Westfields make up with brawn what they lack in skill.
Rovers actually suffered the ignominy of going behind to a 12th minute goal before turning constant pressure into three first half goals to comfortably wrap up the points.
Westfields goal was down largely to a dreadful pass out of defence by Steve Astley that put centre forward Ian Mitchell in possession with a clear run at goal. Keeper Tony Moore bravely saved at the striker’s feet but could not prevent Brian Preece from firing home the loose ball from 16 yards.
Moore then had to produce an athletic tip-over after another poor ball from the back – this time from John Barry – presented Preece with a second opening before Rovers inevitably levelled, Kieron Smith stylishly sweeping the ball home at the far post from Paul Acklam’s right wing cross.
Acklam was then the provider of Rovers’ second after Richard Denby and Smith had opened up the right flank again, Carl Rathbone arriving with perfect timing at the near post to head a peach of a goal.
Westfield’s resistance had now waned and Rathbone was on his way through for a third in the first half injury time when felled by keeper Jarrod Clay. Clay partly redeemed himself by beating out Gil Land’s spot kick but Rathbone was quickest to react to the loose ball and neatly fired home.
More goals seemed inevitable but Rovers inexplicably lost their urge to attack Westfields’ tactics became even more robust. Substitute Brian Beresford should have made it four but miskicked in front of an empty net.
Wesfields (1) 1
Gresley Rovers (3) 3
Scorers: Preece 12 (Westfields), Smith 26, Rathbone 35, 45 (Gresley Rovers).
Westfields: Clay, Dziob, Davies, D Corner, Stevens, Irvine (Rowley 57), Leigh, Preece, Mitchell, B Corner, Mallender (Griffin 45).
Gresley Rovers: Moore, Barry, Elliott, Denby, Land, Astley, Weston (Stokes 83), Smith (Beresford 75), Acklam, Rathbone, Lovell.
Rovers man-of-the-match: Carl Rathbone.
Referee: M Fletcher (Smethwick).
Attendance: 60
