Gresley Rovers vs Rocester
Romans in decline and fall – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Arch rivals Rocester were thrashed as Gresley Rovers bounced back from their FA Vase nightmare with a vengeance at the Moat Ground on Saturday.
Manager Frank Northwood’s midweek shake-up in the wake of the defeat by Newcastle Town produced a performance that ranks as one of Rovers’ best this season.
A key figure was evergreen marksman Brian Beresford, who set up the opening goal for Stuart Evans before adding a brace with dynamic headers.
But equally significant was Rovers’ defensive performance particularly in the second half when Rocester wrested midfield control from the home side.
Gresley needed just 19 minutes to take the lead against a side Untypically lacking in fire. Beresford skilfully made space on the right of the area and bided his time before delivering a low cross that Evans stabbed home from six yards.
Rovers keeper Tony Moore looked on as opposite number Mark Deaville tried to keep the rampant hosts at bay but after furious pressure the spring heeled Beresford soared at the far post to convert John Barry’s cross for the second goal.
Beaman kept Gresley waiting for the start of the second half as he gave an interval blasting to his troops after which Rocester, replacing ineffective debutant Jason Milner with another new boy, Ian Gibbons, began to get back in the game.
First they had to survive pressure, Paul Acklam heading a gilt-edged chance over the top and forcing another fine save from Deaville.
Rocester exerted pressure of their own – only to be shot down by a sensational effort by Jason Minton.
Moore was forced to save at the second attempt when Nigel Mottram spun viciously onto Gibbon’s cross, then Sale’s flick released Richard Owen only for the midfielder to wilt under the pace of Minton.
Then the big defender, who had done much to silence Mottram, surged forward to lift a sizzling 30-yard effort over the head of a stunned Deaville.
Rocester battled for consolation but were caught again by Evans’ long clearance and Kieron Smith’s driven cross was headed into the top of the net by the diving Beresford.
Gresley Rovers (2) 4
Rocester (0) 0
Scorers: Evans 19, Beresford 32, 85, Minton 78.
Gresley Rovers: Moore, Barry, Nuttall, Denby, Evans, Minton, Wardle, Smith, Acklam, Beresford, Venning.
Rocester: Deaville, Cheatle, Ede, Owen, G Hall, Fernihough, Walklet, Mayer (M Hall 74), Sale, Mottram, Milner (Gibbons 52).
Gresley man-of-the-match: Jason Minton.
Referee: M Warren (Great Wyrley).
Attendance: 463
