Rushall Olympic vs Gresley Rovers
Rovers go point closer – Andy Parker – Burton Mail
Gresley inched nearer to retaining the West Midlands League title with a performance that suggested there is to be no post-Frank Northwood backlash.
With their ex-supremo watching from the sidelines Rovers mastered difficult conditions and, eventually, a dangerous home side to leave new boss Steve Dolby “very pleased” – and, no doubt, not a little relieved at avoiding defeat in his first match in full control.
It could have been different if Rushall had made most of what few opportunities that came their way in the first half they made slightly better of than Gresley.
A sloping pitch and rock hard surface made things tricky for both sides but, with the ball pinging around like a pinball, it was Rushall who carved out the best openings.
The threatening Andy McRobbie fired an angled effort just wide then set up colleague Craig Knight with a chance he wasted despite having only keeper Simon Harrison to beat.
Harrison was Rovers’ first half hero with a fine diving save to clutch Steve Taylor’s shot and a crucial interception from Brian Phillips’ cross, but after the break the hosts’ Steve Chandler was decidedly the busier keeper.
With substitute Craig Weston adding bite and skill to their attack, Rovers took control but were denied a win first by the crossbar from Jason Minton’s 22-yard shot, then by former Moatman Peter Perry’s goalline clearance from Paul Acklam’s header.
Rushall Olympic (0) 0
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Rushall Olympic: Chandler, Hodge, Page, Dawson, Perry, Hill, Philips, Knight (Lockett 81), Taylor (Battison 84), McRobbie, Bellingham.
Gresley Rovers: Harrison, Barry, Dick (Elliott 60), Denby, Land, Minton, Wardle, Smith, Acklam, Beresford (Weston 45), Lovell.
Gresley man-of-the-match: Simon Harrison.
Referee: R W Harris (Codsall),
Attendance: 250
