Mangotsfield United vs Gresley Rovers
Debut boy on target -Burton Mail
Having been somewhat fortunate to still be in contention at the interval, Gresley
Rovers produced a much-improved second-half display, which, with a little better
finishing, might easily have gained some reward at third-placed Mangotsfield
United.
The welcome introduction of debutants James Lindley and Shaun Bedwald provided
two plus points from a fourth successive defeat for John McGinlay's team who
subsided 2-1.
Rovers were soon faced with an uphill struggle, Dan Hallett getting round the
back of Ian Bluck before providing a cross Rob Claridge swept in at the far
post.
Although Bedward saw a shot deflected by Jon Crowley for a corner and Mark
Peters tested home keeper Paul Thompson from 22-yards, individual errors in
a shaky Rovers rearguard gave the home side several opportunities to consolidate
their early breakthrough.
Matt Warren's under hit back-pass let in Scott Hendy who was only denied a
simple tap in by Lindley's timely intervention.
Lindley confidently plucked out a probing cross from Hallett before foiling
the same player after he brushed off challenges from both Bluck and Carl Middleton.
Next, skipper Richard Wardle failed to make any contact with Bedward's inviting
cross before the newcomer crowned an impressive debut with a 24th minute equaliser,
the new boy fastening onto a pass from Peters and cutting inside before leaving
Thompson helpless with a rising drive from 20-yards.
But the home side's pressure was further rewarded in the 37th minute when Claridge
was left unopposed to play David Elsey's near post corner back to him.
And when Elsey's resultant cross came over, Jon Crowley was put under no pressure
whatsoever as he buried a close-range header.
Ritchie Gardner almost made an immediate impact after replacing Bluck, who
was stretchered off with a knee injury, when he teed up Bedward who won a corner
off Hendy.
Then, from Gardner's resultant flag kick, Warren steered a chance from beyond
the far post into the side netting.
Both Steve Coates and Peters saw shots deflected to safety as Rovers made a
determined start to the second half but their clearest opportunity to level
fell to Richard Wardle who was sent clear by Bedward, the Rovers skipper looking
favourite to score until Thomspson deflected his shot over with an out stretched
leg.
Mangotsfield United (2) 2
Gresley Rovers (1) 1
Scorers: Claridge 5, Crowley 37 (Mangotsfield United): Bedward 24 (Gresley Rovers).
Mangotsfield United: Thompson, Hendy, Hallett, Barlass, Elsey, Loydon, Pendrey,
Crowley, Edwards (Sims 74), Claridge, Churchill (Lewis 80); subs not used :
Winter.
Gresley Rovers: Lindley, Broadhurst, Middleton, Bluck (Gardner 43),
Woolley, Warren, Wardle, Peters, Bedward (Allsop), Tucker (Sangha 70), Coates.
Rovers
Star Man: Shaun Bedward - always a threat.
Referee: J Ferries (Fewcott).
Attendance: 206
