Match Report  |  Sheffield FC vs Gresley Rovers

Gresley Rovers' manager fielded the same side that had comprehensively beaten Spalding in the previous game.

The combination of Louis Briscoe and David Blenkinsopp appears to be starting to pay dividends as both strikers got on the scoresheet with Briscoe smashing a hat trick and Blenkinsopp topping off a splendid afternoon scoring the fourth.

Rovers took the lead on 12 minutes. A long throw in by Jamie Hood was flicked on by Barry Woolley to Briscoe who collected the ball just inside the penalty area, turned and smashed an unstoppable shot past Leigh Walker.

Briscoe increased the visitors' lead four minutes later when he latched on to Jamie Barrett's pass and with the home defence caught flatfooted the striker once more beat Walker from 18 yards.

Sheffield's Gavin Smith almost reduced the deficit on 25 minutes with a header that flew just wide of the post but a minute later they were back in the frame. A good move down the left saw Jordan Eagers push a superb ball through to Peter Davey who hit his shot past Rovers' keeper Lee Evans.

However, just before the half hour the home side were left stunned as Briscoe completed his hat trick. The striker raced after what looked like an easy ball for Leeroy Cochane but Briscoe surprised the defender stealing the ball and after cutting into the area curled an absolutely perfect ball past Walker and into the far corner of the net.

On 38 minutes a well timed tackle denied Steve Woolley as his run down the left spelt danger for the Rovers' defence as the home side appeared to be stung into action putting the visitors under pressure.

The pressure almost paid off but a fine save from Evans denied Paul Smith's free kick finding the back of the net acrobatically tipping the ball round the post.

The second half saw Rovers on the attack and within five minutes of the restart Blenkinsopp went close when he tried to lob Walker but the keeper just manager to get a touch on the ball.

Blenkinsopp didn't have to wait long though to try his luck again. On 56 minutes Briscoe's through ball saw Sheffield's defence breached and the striker coolly slipped the ball past the stranded Walker.

An audacious back heel from Matt Outram almost closed the gap as once more the home side pressed forward.

Evans was becoming busier as the game wore on making a good save from Darryl Winter.

However, Rovers almost increased their advantage when, with just 10 minutes remaining, Brian Woodall picked out Carl Slater who saw Walker out of position and the midfielder chipped the ball towards the far top corner but Walker made a great effort to get back and push the ball past the far post.

A cross from the right by Ted Cribley was headed goalwards by Jez Mitchell but another fine save by Evans denied the striker.

Sheffield were unlucky late on with Mat Roney's corner hitting the far post and bouncing to safety.

Rovers were themselves unlucky in time added on when substitute Kevin Lock pounced on a parried shot by Walker and put the ball into the net only to be harshly adjudged to have been offside.