Gresley Rovers vs Blakenall
Tony Moore’s the man – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Tony Moore emerged from the shadows yet again last night to ensure that if Gresley Rovers’ Banks’s League championship season didn’t exactly end on a high note at the Moat Ground, at least it ended on a memorable one.
Moore, who has often and capably filled the boots of first choice keeper Bob Aston this term, erected a one-man barrier against Blakenall in the second half of a game in which the patchwork home side gave as good as they got for long spells.
Rovers boss Frank Northwood said afterwards: “It was Tony Moore’s night tonight – he played superbly. But you’ve also got to give credit to Gilly Land – he played 90 minutes last night and 90 minutes tonight and he’s done very well.”
Land was instrumental in blotting out Blakenall in a sterile opening spell that ended when Steve Adcock and Carl Rathbone crafted a golden chance for Ryan Venning to mark his full debut with a goal.
Adcock’s run into the area and Rathbone’s turn and cross from the right let Venning in at the far post but, incredibly, his close range header came back off the post.
Blakenall responded by bringing out an excellent save from Moore, the keeper tipping over Mark Davies’ 20-yarder.
Rovers began the second half well but began to look frail at the back and Moore was soon in action, blocking at Hans Ragati’s feet then saving a firm shot from the same player.
An untypical error by Land let in Mark O’Sullivan but again Moore was the master, then Ragati burst through but Moore saved again.
Rovers could have snatched it. Duggins hitting a long range drive that Steve Pomroy pushed brilliantly out of the top corner.
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Blakenall (0) 0
Gresley Rovers: T Moore, Walton, Elliott, Duggins, Land, A Moore, Weston, Adcock (Webster 62), Beresford, Rathbone (Simpson 45), Venning.
Blakenall: Pomroy, Raybould (Arnold 60), Wilkinson, Davies, Richardson, Simpkin, Keeling, Sparrock, Ragati, O’Sullivan, Slide. Sub not used: Price.
Gresley man-of-the-match: Tony Moore.
Referee: P Rejer (Wolverhampton).
Attendance: 344
