Steve Hackett Memorial Trophy
The Hawfields, Newhall
Thursday, 21st July 2011, 7.00pm
Gresley X1 Win At Newhall
A Gresley X1 visited near neighbours Newhall Utd to play for a place in the semi-finals of the Steve Hackett Memorial Trophy and goals from Jermaine Gordon and Ash Day ensured it was the visitors who will now face Rocester next Thursday (28th).
Gresley's side featured a mixture of first , reserve and youth team players and on a bone hard challenging pitch it was Newhall that made a good start and almost took the lead on 3 minutes when Gary McNulty was put through only to be thwarted by a superbly time tackle from Jamie Barrett in the area.
They went close again on 22 minutes when after a good run down the left by James Eames he sent a low pass across the area for Lee Croxall who skewed his shot wide from a good position.
Gresley's first attempt on target came a minute later when Day hit the post followed by Rob Spencer putting Tom Betteridge's cross wide moments later.
The hosts took the lead on the half hour with a well taken goal. Luke Clamp found himself in on goal and after rounding the advancing Gresley keeper James Finders coolly slipped the ball into the empty net.
Despite Gresley coming back strongly they were denied an equaliser by a superb close reaction block from former Moatman Simon Baldwin to deny Sam Blount.
Gresley did level almost on half time in controversial circumstances. Awarded a free kick on the 'D' Lee Barrow took his shot that didn't find the mark but referee saw some pushing in the area and awarded a spot kick that Gordon dispatched comfortably beating Baldwin.
The visitors had the better of the second half and the impressive Day gave them the lead on 55 minutes. Day made a mazy run down the right cut into the area and struck a hard low shot that gave Baldwin no chance.
Day was denied a second goal when another good run down the right this time ended with him clipping the post.
With changes made to both sides it was Gresley that finished the stronger with Blount putting his flying header over the bar and then being supplied a cross by Day that he put wide.
