Redditch United vs Gresley Rovers
Smith & Weston fire Rovers to top spot - Burton Mail
Gritty Gresley Rovers overcame the severest test so far of their Beazer Midland Division debut campaign at the Valley Stadium last night.
Second half goals from Kieron Smith and substitute Craig Weston swept Rovers to the top of the table and prompted Steve Dolby to proclaim: "What a good win that was."
He explained: "For 20 minutes Redditch looked a very good side, but we weathered the storm and then outbattled them.
"I said to the players at half time that we continued to battle I fancied us to pinch a goal."
The home side, who themselves topped the league in the opening weeks, put Rovers under the cosh during an enterprising early spell.
Bob Aston spread himself well to block an effort from Fabian Sandiford and the Rovers keeper had to gobble up an awkward cross from Barry Williams before finger tipping over another effort from Sandiford.
An offside decision denied Redditch a 12th minute break-through when Sandiford got the final touch after Jimmy Williams had helped on Rob Smith's free kick.
Stuart Evans, who had already seen one header go narrowly over, suffered a similar fate in the 32nd minute when he rifled home after the Reds' defence failed to clear Richard Denby's free kick, but Paul Acklam was standing in an offside position.
Both Denby and Rob Briscoe then went close as Rovers began to take control.
However, it was former Burton Albion player Tony Donnelly who squandered the clearest chance to put the home side ahead on 54 minutes.
Kevin Seivwright took full advantage of a retreating Gresley defence before threading the ball through to Donnelly who screwed his shot wide with only Aston to beat.
The full extent of this miss was realised 16 minutes later as Smith eagerly steered home the rebound after Lee Webb had saved Mick Taplin's effort.
Victory was assured four minutes from time. Briscoe headed on a free kick from debutant Dave Swainston to Craig Weston who deposited a low shot into the far corner.
Redditch United (0) 0
Gresley Rovers (0) 2
Scorers: Smith 70, Weston 86
Redditch United: Webb, B Williams, Stokes, Molloy, J Williams, R Smith (Moss 79), Seivwright, Osborne, Sandiford (Warner 79), Massey, Donnelly.
Gresley Rovers: Aston, Barry, Swainston, Denby, Evans, Land, Wardle, Briscoe, K Smith (Elliott 89), Acklam, Taplin (Weston 81).
Gresley man-of-the-match: Gil Land.
Referee: R F Jeavons (Coseley).
Attendance: 244
