Match Photos
Gresley Rovers vs Tamworth
Things are looking up for the Rovers
Rovers
opened this game with confidence and again acquitted themselves very well against
their neighbours Tamworth on Saturday.
The opening few minutes saw Lee Westwood shoot somewhat hurriedly at Daren
Acton from an Andy Cheetham throw in.
Richard Wardle then crossed a superb ball that picked out Chris Parkin whose
powerful header forced Acton into a reaction save.
At the other end Lee Wilson set up former Wolves striker Darren Roberts and
it was the home keeper, James Lindley who produced a quality save to deny him.
Lindley was again called into action just a few minutes later when he pulled
off another fine save at the base of the post from Richard Follett's right footed
shot.
With 39 minutes gone Lindley made what was probably the save of the match when
he finger tipped Wilson's close-range effort following a good build up from
Nick Colley.
Again
the many substitutions after half time seem to make Rovers loose their shape
and they seemed to miss Stuart Evans especially. The newly appointed skipper
seemed to strengthen and organise the defence, which was more evident as the
half progressed.
On 51 minutes a chance by Chris Parkins almost produced the goal Rovers deserved.
He turned his defender, Mark Turner, before hitting a fierce angled drive just
beyond the far post.
However, it was the visitors who made the break through on 66 minutes when
Dave Foy found Roberts un-marked and having time to beat Lindley.
Neil Kitching came close but his effort frustratingly landed on the top of
the net.
Tamworth should have increased their lead on 83 minutes but Mark Hallam headed
Roberts cross straight at Lindley.
With minutes to go Kitching just missed a pinpoint cross after good link-up
play between Mark Peters and Kevin Allsop.
With this showing Rovers fans can look forward to much healthier season than
last.
John McGinlay said, "I am pleased with the performance except for a 10 or 15
minute spell in the second half we coped well with a full-strength Tamworth
side.
"I
am not too upset with losing our unbeaten pre-season record as it was a worthwhile
exercise and has brought the players back down to earth. There are still some
places up for grabs in readiness for the opening game at Halesowen - it's a
matter of someone having the confidence to go and grab them."
McGinlay was a little concerned with the knocks his side picked up with only
a week before the first league game.
He did not risk John Allcock who had picked up a foot injury against Hednesford.
Stuart Evans, substituted at half time against Tamworth has a tight hamstring
and Ian Bluck (groin), Andy Cheetham and Lee Westwood (both calf) were also
substituted.
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Tamworth (0) 1
Scorer: Roberts 66
Gresley Rovers: Lindley, Bluck (Gray 66), Cheetham (Middleton 45), Hawtin,
Evans (Peters 45), Woolley, Wardle, Westwood (McGinlay 77), Parkins (Allsop 76),
Shaw (Kitching 57), Green.
Tamworth: Acton, Follett, Mitchell (Shakesheave 76), Turner (Hatton
81), Gould, Colley, Foy, Warner (Grocutt 81), Roberts, Wilson (Hallam 72), Rickards
(Haywood 57).
Referee: G Stretton (Enderby)
Attendance: 360
