Gresley Rovers vs Burton Albion
Any match between the Albion and Gresley Rovers is bound to be competitive and this training/friendly game was just that.
It was an entertaining game played in front of a decent crowd of 300 with both sides contributing to the show.
Albion were without a number of their squad due to injury and suspension but still fielded a side that would test the new look Gresley side.
It was Gresley who made the early running and within a minute of the start a Burton defender blocked a shot on goal by Shaun Harrad.
Three minutes later Steve Lenagh had a chance but his shot went straight into the arms of Burton keeper Dan Robinson.
Another of the Gresley new signings, Danny Haynes, had a splendid game in defence and on 10 minutes made a superbly timed tackle on Robbie Talbot.
Four minutes later Gresley took the lead. Matt Carragher was caught in possession by Gary White who then put a great through ball to Harrad who made no mistake in placing a shot past Robinson.
Albion should have been on level terms just 60 seconds later. Jamie Barrett was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball in his own area and the referee pointed to the spot. Talbot elected to take the kick but put his shot well over the bar.
Gresley again applied the pressure and on 18 minutes Haynes hit a shot from 30 yards that just cleared the bar and down at the other end Andy Garner was testing the home keeper Mark Sheils with a shot that was dealt with quite easily.
On 28 minutes Burton's period of pressure paid off and they earned an equalizer. Lee Colkin picked up a half-cleared ball and raced into the Gresley area before beating Sheils with a glorious shot into the bottom corner of the net.
As expected Albion pushed forward and it took some more good defending by Haynes to deny Andy Ducros and then Craig Dudley could only head Colkin's cross over the bar.
Gresley came out for the second half looking for the lead again and on 55 minutes went close when Barrett's cross-cum-shot flashed across the face of Albion's goal.
They did go back in front on 63 minutes, however, when a swift move ended with Barrett giving Lenagh a chance on goal that the frontrunner took with ease.
Gresley were now playing some good football and three minutes later produced another flowing move that ended with Harrad's shot going narrowly wide of the mark.
On 76 minutes Gresley made it three when Glen Kirkwood appeared to have tripped Harrad who was through on goal and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Harrad took the kick and smashed the ball home giving Robinson no chance.
Minutes later Albion were almost back in the game when a goal bound shot was blocked by a Gresley defender and out for a corner.
Burton still pushing forward were denied by another superbly timed tackle this time by Barrett.
With three minutes remaining of the game a fine save by Sheils kept the score as it was. Albion were awarded a free kick just outside of the area which was taken by substitute Aaron Webster. It was a terrific free kick only matched by a terrific save as Sheils palmed the ball onto the post.
Gary Norton commenting on last night's victory over Burton Albion was keen for supporters to take out of the match the simple fact that the game provided important match fitness and an opportunity for the new members of the squad to gel with the existing members.
Gary said: "We have used our forced 2 week break very carefully, wanting to ensure that we maintained our fitness and provide an opportunity for the lads to play together. That we have achieved. Whilst I am delighted for the supporters to have seen an encouraging performance it is the League that is all important and getting points on the board and moving ourselves up the table."
Gary went on to acknowledge his appreciation of Burton Albion and his thanks to them for agreeing to play the training match - especially considering their injury list and the fact that they have not had a similar break. "Nigel [Clough] has been very supportive since I took up the manager's post and the opportunity he has provided us with this match is a fantastic help".
Gresley Rovers (1) 3
Burton Albion (1) 1
Scorers: Harrad 14, 76 (pen), Lenagh (Gresley Rovers); Colkin 28 (Burton Albion).
Gresley Rovers: Sheils, Everitt (Branch 80), Cheetham, M Smith, Haynes, Barrett (Slater 85), Wardle (Doughty 60), Holmes, Harrad (Moran 90), Lenagh (Kitching 63), G White (Tate 73). Sub not used: Belford.
Burton Albion: Robinson, Carragher, Colkin (Webster 52), Henshaw (Howard 45), Wassall, Chettle (Kirkwood 45), Dudley (Smith 45), Ducros (Swannwick 61), Talbot (Ashley 45), Garner, Crosby.
Referee: M Haynes (Burton).
Attendance: 300
