Pre-season friendly
Queensgate Stadium
Saturday, 14th August 2004, 3.00pm
It was a disappointing finish to the pre season partly no doubt to the absence of six players who would hope to be involved against Ossett Albion.
Jamie Hood could feature while Matt Smith and Richard Wardle are injured. For other reasons Justin Rowe, Gary White and Leon Doughty all missed the trip to the Yorkshire coast.
The Moatmen went behind after 16 minutes through Paul Robson and Bridlington doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute through Phil Harrison.
At half time Carl Slater returned from the doldrums but the home side began on top netting a third a minute after the re-start.
The closest Gresley came were two second half openings through Aaron O'Connor and Emeka Ejiofor.
So, the dress rehearsals are now over; a week of final preparations and then life begins in UniBond Division One.
Manager's View
"I've had six or seven players missing for various reasons, but, having said that the lads that played are all part of the first team squad. We've got a squad of 18 or 19 this season and I've just said to the players out there at some stage during the season I'm going to need each and everyone of them.
"It was frustrating; there were only five or six players out there that are going to start next Saturday and I said earlier in the week that it might be difficult to get near to my starting eleven out and that's proven to be the case because a few of the players had prior commitments which is frustrating because a lot of hard work as gone in planning the pre-season. We wanted to finish it off with a weekend away that most of the squad could get to.
"Take the positives - we switched off for the three goals. None of that back four who played today will be playing next week. We've had players playing out of position and there the positives I take, the versatility. Ashley Dodd I thought had a great game at centre back. He was very composed and used the ball well, won a lot of good headers and controlled the game when we had the ball. I played Carl Slater in the second half at full back and he's had a cracking game as well.
"Obviously it was disappointing not to have scored in the second half because we played well. We created a lot of half chances. In the first half Emeka had a chance he just needs a few more games to get fully sharp.
"I'm not too disheartened in fairness. I've said to the lads that I can't remember a goal scored against that has been well crafted they have tended to be when we've switched off and been unforced errors. We've not been scoring and I would have liked Justin Rowe to have had 90 minutes today from a confidence point of view but he'll be available for next week and it's just a case of who we play up there.
"I'm not overly concerned. Last year we had a great pre-season and then went on to have a poor start so I'm hoping the roles are reversed".
