Gresley Rovers vs Birmingham
Gresley Rovers match against Birmingham to celebrate the opening of The Moat Ground
Taken from Burton Daily Mail 7th September 1909
Gresley Rovers were favoured with a visit from Birmingham, who sent their full League team, yesterday evening, in connection with the opening of the new ground.
The match was, from early after its commencement, an almost forgone conclusion so far as Birmingham were concerned, although the 6-1 defeat is not exactly indicative of the merits of the prospective sides.
Unfortunately the ground was in a slippery state affording very little foothold and play suffered in consequence, but the break-away which the home team were able to make, especially during the first half, were marked by vigour and determination.
It was the result of such a breakaway that Bannister who throughout played a vigorous game, scored Rovers' only goal. Later he put in a fast shot, which hit the cross bar.
Taylor was another trier, putting in some hard work in the forward line, whose efforts at combination, where they not frustrated by the slippery nature of the ground, were, however, generally broken up by the Birmingham defence.
The teams changed over with the score 3-1, and the second half was a replica of the first - one team in it, and that was not the Rovers.
The visiting forwards were very fast and a tricky lot, especially James, the centre a marvellous goal getter, who scored all the goals for his side except one, the work of Preston - a beautiful shot from a penalty.
Final Gresley Rovers 1 - 6 Birmingham
After the match the teams were entertained to a cold collation at the headquarters of the Rovers club - the Boot Hotel, Mr T Mercer who presided voicing hearty thanks of the club to Birmingham for coming - a compliment acknowledged by Mr Watson & Co, said they had enjoyed the football and hoped to come back again (applause).
Mr Tom Bannister also echoed the chairman's sentiment, and Mr Dorrington replied.
