Hinckley United vs Gresley Rovers
Miserable Moatmen - Andy Parker - Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers got what they usually get at Middlefield Lane on Saturday -
a drubbing.
Visits to Hinckley are almost invariably ill-starred affairs for the Moatmen,
regardless of form or league standings, but Rovers latest upset was even more
depressing than normal.
After flattering to deceive in the opening quarter of the game, during which
John McGinlay's team gave as good as they got against the Dr Martens Western
Division leaders, Rovers fell behind to a penalty and simply gave up the ghost.
In the end the score line flattered Gresley, who had a couple of smart saves
from fit again Richard Selby and some wayward finishing by the home side to
thank for avoiding further humiliation.
McGinlay's response was to issue another lecture to his flagging team, who
were then marched straight onto the coach with instructions to turn out to a
man for Wednesday's Moat Ground reserve game, coincidentally against Hinckley
again.
That action might sound drastic but nothing could be severe enough for a side
looking low on morale, organisation and inspiration.
That did not seem to be the case in the opening minutes with new boy Ravhi
Sangha looking lively up front and Rovers were competing in all departments.
Indeed, the Moatmen should have been given the opportunity to take the lead
on 21-minutes when United defender Nick Preston clearly handled inside the penalty
area under pressure from Sangha but referee Martin Dexter and his assistant
were apparently looking elsewhere.
That was not the case 16 minutes later when Richard Lavery's ball over the
top caught the Moatmen square at the back, giving Dave Sadler the chance to
display his renowned pace. Defender Barry Woolley was always struggling to bring
the frontman within range and eventually bundled Sadler over inside the box,
the United striker dusting himself down before despatching the inevitable penalty
into the roof of Selby's net.
Rovers were shaken by the setback and things soon got worse. Four minutes into
the second half a short corner routine caught the Moatmen napping and Preston
advanced unchallenged to volley Karl Brennan's curling cross into the net from
close range.
That was effectively game set and match to the Knitters and when Matt Warren
failed to clear Neil Cartwright's cross home skipper Morton Titterton added
the third with a low shot from the edge of the box.
The Moatmen were left with only pride to play for but still failed to trouble
Wayne Starkey, the home keeper walking off at the end not having been called
upon to make a single save of note.
That was not the case with Selby who produced an excellent block to deny one-time
Moat target Andy Lucas after the striker had been handed the freedom of the
Rovers penalty area.
Then Ian Bluck's error allowed former Tamworth raider Paul Hunter to run clear
but Selby save excellently again.
Hinckley United (1) 3
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Scorers: Sadler 37 (pen), Preston 49, Titterton 62.
Hinckley United: Starkey, Cartwright, Lenton, Lavery, Smith, Preston,
Bury, Titterton (Thomas 86), Sadler (Hunter 75), Lucas, Brennan (Sleane 80).
Gresley Rovers: Selby, Roberts (Kitching 59), Middleton, Bluck, Woolley,
Warren, Wardle (Gardner 60), Peters, Allsop, Sangha (McGinlay 88), Coates.
Rovers
Star Man: Steve Coates - worked hard and tried to make things happen.
Referee: M C Dexter (Leicester)
Attendance: 358
