Match Photos
Gresley Rovers vs Redditch United
Keeper costs Moatmen dear - Andy Parker - Burton Mail
Jekyll and Hyde Gresley Rovers produced a performance unrecognisable from Saturday's
dismal capitulation against Blakenall to deservedly take a point from high-flying
Redditch United at the Moat Ground last night (Tues).
More organised at the back, thanks largely to the introduction of veteran Michael
Forsyth on loan from Burton Albion and more competitive in midfield, Rovers
lacked a cutting edge in attack but were gifted a 27th-minute goal.
Alas, it was a case of one good turn deserves another and the second blunder
in as many games from on loan keeper James Lindley handed Redditch a share of
the points.
Rovers looked more assured from the start and twice in the opening 10 minutes
might have gone ahead.
First, fit again Shaun Bedward produced his best moment of the game with a
run down the left only for the recent recruit from Bromsgrove to mis-hit his
shot.
Then, after Richard Wardle had shown great determination to win the ball on
halfway, the Rovers skipper released Simon Tucker whose shot was blocked.
The Moatmen soon went ahead, however, when Redditch failed to clear a Peter's
corner. And when the ball came back to the midfielder on the edge of the box
his low shot appeared to bobble, deceiving keeper Harvey Willetts at the foot
of his near post.
The home side had barely had time to congratulate themselves, though, before
Redditch were level.
Ian Mitchell hit a lofted cross from the right that Scott Colcombe met with
an innocuous header. It looked meat and drink to Lindley but the keeper inexplicably
dropped the ball and former Stapenhill striker Ian Bennett was left to score
with unhurried ease.
The game could have gone either way after the break with veteran midfielder
Martin Myres shooting just over from distance and Bennett firing a cross shot
just wide after picking up a typical cultured flick from former West Bromwich
striker Nicky Cross.
Rovers, though, produced some good football of their own at times with Richard
Gardner, outstanding at left-back, firing just wide after a thrilling charge
down the flank and an exchange of passes with Tucker.
The Tucker picked up Richard Wardle's cross but with only the Willetts to beat,
shot straight at the keeper.
Rovers' supporters urged their side to produce a late rally but it did not
arrive, the Moatmen perhaps thinking that a point was considerably better than
the zero returns from their previous four games.
Gresley Rovers (1) 1
Redditch United (1) 1
Scorers: Peters 27 (Gresley Rovers); Bennett 31 (Redditch United).
Gresley Rovers: Lindley, Roberts (Broadhurst 81), Gardner, Donaldson,
Woolley, Forsyth, Wardle, Peters, Bedward (Grant 71), Tucker, Coates; sub not
used: Middleton.
Redditch United: Willetts, Mitchell, Byrne (Hale 78), Knight, Niblett
(Danks 13), Field, Swann, Myers, Cross, Bennett, Colcome; sub not used: Benbow.
Rovers
Star Man: Richard Gardner - excellent all round performance.
Referee: C Sarginson (Rugeley).
Attendance: 240
