Match Photos
Atherstone United vs Gresley Rovers
Moatmen halt miserable run - Andy Parker - Burton Mail
Gresley
Rovers responded to their manager's entreaties for more commitment as they deservedly
gained a draw at Atherstone last night (Mon), ending a run of six consecutive
defeats.
Striker Simon Tucker, producing what boss John McGinlay accurately described
as his best performance for several weeks, scored an excellent goal after 40
minutes only for the home side to level nine minutes after the restart and then
go on to cause the Moatmen a few anxious moments in the closing stages.
Nonetheless it was a much happier McGinlay who assessed his team's display
afterwards with the Rovers chief insisting: "They showed what they can do."
There was little evidence of what either side was capable of in a sterile first
half, an 18th minute Barrie Woolley header that failed to test Adders keeper
Dale Belford representing the only sterile on goal of any description until
Tucker ended the deadlock in devastating fashion.
There seemed no way through a packed United defence as the striker cut in from
the right but a razor sharp one-two with strike partner Shaun Bedward released
the Rovers top scorer into the sort of position he relishes, a low, left-foot
drive comprehensively defeating Belford's dive.
Atherstone responded immediately, abandoning their hitherto fruitless policy
of firing long balls over the top as Rob Higgs threaded the ball through into
the path of Leon Kelly, James Lindley advancing from his line to produce a good
block.
Lindley, and Rovers, then had a major let-off when the keeper spilled Dominic
Reece's free kick, allowing Steven Farmer to volley into an empty net, only
for the effort to be bafflingly ruled out for offside.
It was not long, however, before the Adders were level. Barry Woolley, who
has just placed a towering header narrowly over the bar from David Donaldson's
free kick. Allowed the pacey Kelly to get ahead of him as the ball came out
of the sky for the umpteenth time and the striker raced clear to give Lindley
no chance with a rising drive.
It was anyone's game after that with Bedward ballooning a shot over, Tucker
seeing a an angled shot blocked by Belford and Adam Hart producing a last gasp
interception to deny Bedwald after Tucker had cut the ball back into his path.
At the other end Lindley twice defied Kelly but Rovers had to ride their luck
at the death when Smith's free kick from wide on the right eluded attacker and
defender alike before glancing to safety off the far post.
Atherstone United (0) 1
Gresley Rovers (1) 1
Scorers: Kelly 54 (Atherstone United); Tucker 40 (Gresley Rovers).
Atherstone United: Belford, Smith, Reece (Purvey 53), Blair, Farmer,
Hart, Martin, Morgan (Skitt 53), Kelly, Dawe, Higgs: sub not used: Marlowe.
Gresley Rovers: Lindley, Verity, Gardner, Peters, Woolley, Warren, Wardle
(Broadhurst 53), Donaldson, Bedward, Tucker, Coates; subs not used: McGinlay,
Middleton.
Rovers
Star Man: Richard Gardner - good contribution at both ends of the pitch.
Referee: B Curzon (Burbage).
Attendance: 182
