Rocester vs Gresley Rovers
Romans win by trial and error – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Rocester had already qualified for the semi finals of the Evans Halshaw Floodlit Cup while Gresley were merely completing their fixture obligations at the Riversfield last night – but two patchwork sides nonetheless served up an energetic and often entertaining display.
Rovers’ mixture of triallists and reserves looked to be on a hiding to nothing against a Romans side containing half-a-dozen regular first teamers, especially after Alan Ibbs put the home side in front after just five minutes.
But Gresley did themselves - and the contest – a great deal of good by mounting a concerted first half effort to level the scores before Rocester’s power and experience took them to a deserved win.
Romans boss Alan Beaman said afterwards: “Gresley did very well to take the game to us in the first half but we were just too strong for them after the break. I think we dominated the second half.”
Rocester’s opening goal was a disaster for Gresley skipper John Bottomley and an absolute gift for Ibbs. The Rovers defender was under no pressure but, attempting to clear from the edge of the area, he contrived to drive the ball against Ibbs and it rebounded past a surprised Tony Moore.
Richard Owen should have doubled the advantage but volleyed off target from 18 yards, then Mark Deaville was booked after racing from his area and handling to thwart Gavin Thornley, who was clear.
Rovers equalised when Bottomley knocked a free kick short for Robert Grant to swing in a deep cross from the right and Thornley showed poise and control to bring the ball down and fire past Deaville.
Russell Walton then fired over from a good position but Rocester bounced back to settle the issue when Owen’s sweeping crossfield ball released Chris Nixon down the left and his bobbling shot from outside the box deceived Moore.
Rocester (1) 2
Gresley Rovers (1) 1
Scorers: Ibbs 5, Nixon 70 (Rocester), Thornley 39 (Gresley Rovers).
Rocester: Deaville, P Ede, Nixon, Owen, McGibbon, Barry, Hall, Wood (M Ede 50), Ibbs (Collins 75), Carr, Alcock.
Gresley Rovers: T Moore, Walton, Fisher, Heap, Bottomley, Grant, Noble, Webster, Thornley, Gamble, Kidsley (Haynes 45). Subs not used: Page.
Gresley man-of-the-match: John Bottomley.
Referee: D Redshaw (Kirk Langley).
Attendance: 75
