Gresley Rovers vs Atherstone United
Moatmen show promise - Rex Page - Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers went close to bridging the gap between their new Beazer Midland perch and the Premier Division for the second time in three days at the Moat Ground last night.
Only three of the side that came a close second to Burton Albion in the Johnson Cup started the game but Rovers gave a demonstration of their strength in depth by taking full-strength Atherstone to the wire.
With a bit of luck, the result may well have been reversed as both teams sought to produce fast-flowing attacking football.
Craig Weston had a second-minute effort scooped of the line and on the half hour saw a perfectly struck 25-yard free kick thump against the bar.
Between those moments of Gresley endeavour, Atherstone stole a 17th minute lead when Graeme Rigg, deployed as sweeper, lost his footing on the rain-soaked surface, allowing Kim Green to set up brother Roy.
Rovers lost Chris Parkins because of injury - a disappointment for the teenager because he was being watched by a West Brom scout - but they continued to carve out chances.
After the obligatory series of half time substitutions, Atherstone went further in front in the 55th minute when David Wells parted the Gresley defence for Robin Judd to clip his shot over Lee Rippon.
But Gresley came roaring back with two goals in a nine-minute spell to confirm that competition for places will be intense.
Brian Beresford broke free from the halfway line to roll a low shot past Spencer and then Taplin met Neil Lovell's cross to glance a lovely header into the far corner.
A deserved share of the honours eluded Rovers, however, 10 minutes from time when a through ball skidded off the foot of Martin Dick, allowing Adders substitute Danny Donovan to steer in the winner.
Gresley Rovers (0) 2
Atherstone United (1) 3
Scorers: Beresford 60, Taplin 69 (Gresley Rovers); R Green 17, Judd 55, Donovan 80 (Atherstone United).
Gresley Rovers: Rippon, Dick, Lovell, Rigg, Evans, Parkins, Read, Marsden, Acklam, Beresford, Weston. Subs all used: Land, Smith, Barry, Taplin, Aston.
Atherstone United: Spencer, McGinty, Upton, Jackson, French, Wells, Judd, Olner, K Green, Meredith, R Green. Subs all used: Ecclestone, Wilson, Donovan.
Referee: R Gould (Swadlincote).
Attendance: 250
