Gresley Rovers vs Sutton Coldfield Town
Rovers in Cup waltz - Andy Parker - Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers boosted their title credentials with an impressive Barclays Southern League Cup victory over Sutton Coldfield Town at the Moat Ground last night.
Proud Sutton, who came to the Moat Ground unbeaten by Beazer Homes League opposition so far this term, were humbled by a skilled and determined Rovers who were on course for a third round trip to Rushden & Diamonds from the fifth minute.
After Sutton, strengthened by the return of top scorer John Hunt and the arrival from Moor Green of midfielder Steve Mead since the previous week's 0-0 draw at Coles Lane, had moved forward ominously from the kick off, Gresley broke forward with devastating effect.
Tony Marsden's cross from the left into a crowded Sutton penalty area and Kieron Smith lifted the ball neatly over the head of defender Nigel Richards before swivelling to fire a low shot past keeper Dale Belford's left hand.
Sutton replied with mounting pressure as Moat old boy Carl Rathbone and speedy wing partner Andy Biddle prompted a string of left wing attacks but Bob Aston was equal to their best attempt, a low shot from Hunt.
Skipper Richard Denby went close for Rovers after Robbie Briscoe's run from deep in his own half before Smith's determination and a series of defensive slips allowed Gresley to extend their lead.
Richards looked favourite to clear from the right flank but Smith closed down the space and Marsden forced the ball through to Craig Weston who advanced unopposed before coolly firing past Belford.
There could have been more goals for Gresley after that with Richard Wardle seeing a header pushed wide by Belford then firing Marsden's cross over the bar and Marsden meeting Briscoe's cross only for the keeper to save well again.
The second half was a poor affair by comparison to the excellent opening period, with Sutton pulling one back when Dave Swainston waited for the ball to run out of play on the left and was then forced to concede a throw under pressure from Biddle. The ball was swiftly delivered to substitute Gary Smith whose cross was fired home from six yards by Tony Hadland.
With Sutton needing only to draw to go through on away goals Rovers faced an anxious few minutes but Denby quelled his team's nerves with a superb deciding strike six minutes from time.
The lion-hearted Smith won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area after another battling run and Denby stepped up to pot the ball imperiously into the bottom corner of Belford's net.
Gresley Rovers (2) 3
Sutton Coldfield Town (0) 1
Scorers: Smith 5, Weston 24, Denby 84 (Gresley Rovers); Hadland 78 (Sutton Coldfield Town).
Gresley Rovers: Aston, Rigg, Swainston, Denby, Evans, Land, Weston, Marsden (Parkins 72), K Smith, Weston, Briscoe (Scott 88).
Sutton Coldfield Town: Belford, Ling, Clarke, Richards, Whittingham, Hadland, Richardson, Rathbone, Hunt, Mead (G Smith), Biddle. Sub not used: Lasisi.
Gresley man-of-the-match: Kieron Smith.
Referee: R W King (Worcester).
Attendance: 461
