FA Carlsberg Trophy First Round Qualifying
The Moat Ground, Church Gresley
Saturday, 19th October 2013, 3.00pm
Robins Have Their Wings Clipped
Gresley clipped the wings of Evo-Stik Premier outfit Ilkeston with a performance in stark contrast to that which was witnessed at Halesowen in midweek.
Even though they were forced to make two changes in the first half due to injuries to both Danny Holmes and Mitch Hanson Gresley produced a performance of dogged determination and hard work and fully deserved their win.
Because of the dismal showing at The Grove manager Martin Rowe made changes to his starting line-up with John Guy replacing Lucas Harrison, Liam Guest for the ill Marc Strzyzewski, Danny Holmes for James Jepson and Paolo Piliero was put into midfield for Mickey Lyons. Jordan Nadat started for Dean Oliver and Marc Goodfellow came in on the wing.
Gresley were expecting to be put under the cosh early on but it was it wasn't to be as Gresley threatened right from the off with Kieran O'Connell firing over from a good position.
The goal of the game came on 8 minutes. A free kick from the right by Goodfellow easily beat Robins' keeper but clattered back off the far upright. Eventually the ball came back to him and from an almost identical spot he this time struck a shot that would have been talked about on Match of the Day until the end of the season as the ball flew missile like past keeper Lloyd Allison, who was rooted to the spot, and into the top far corner of the net hitting the back stanchion and coming out as fast as it went in!
Gresley were on top and could or maybe should have doubled their advantage when O'Connell hit a shot that lacked pace straight at Allison and Goodfellow brought a save out of the keeper with a shot at his near post.
Ilkeston's day got even worse on 18 minutes when they went two down as Aaron Hooton powered a header into his own net from Goodfellow's corner.
The visitors had a chance to reduce the arrears five minutes later when Liam Guest brought Hooton down in the area. Unfortunately, Holmes was injured in the collision and had to be replaced suffering from a suspected knee ligament injury by James Jepson.
Aaron Webster, who has scored five penalties so far this season, took the spot kick but the outstretched leg of Etheridge sent the ball over the bar and Gresley retained their two goal advantage.
It was then the turn of Jason Stokes to test Etheridge with a stinging shot that produced a fine block by the young keeper. Five minutes later Gresley's Mitch Hanson hobbled off with a hamstring injury to be replaced by Lucas Harrison.
Ilkeston had two chances to get on the score sheet as the first half drew to a close. First Kane Richards hit a crisp shot which struck the near post and then he hit another blistering shot that Etheridge did well to tip over the bar.
Ilkeston looked more determined for the start of the second half and a low shot need to be saved by Etheridge. Hooton followed this up with an effort that Etheridge diving to his left pushed away for a corner.
O'Connell tried his luck with a shot that Allinson saved well at his near post. At the other end Ilkeston's Danny Gordon had a golden chance but spurned it blazing his shot from close in well over the bar. Minutes later Laurie Wilson also let a chance go by also firing well over the bar.
Ilkeston chalked a goal off with ten minutes remaining and it had a bit of luck about it. A shot from the edge of the area was blocked by a defender but the ricochet, which could have gone anywhere, instead fell nicely for substitute Gary Ricketts who finished well from just inside the area.
Despite a tense final ten minutes with Ilkeston pressing forward at every chance it was Gresley who went closest to adding to their tally as the game drew to an end. Goodfellow curled a shot into the box which was met by Jamie Barrett at the far post but his header went wide and then Goodfellow made Allinson save at his near post with a free kick from distance.
The final say however went to the visitors when Richards shot was well held by Etheridge.
Manager's View
"On Tuesday we spoke to the players after the game on Tuesday and we let them know that the performance wasn't good enough and that we wanted a response today and I think I got that.
"The first twenty minutes we were excellent and on top of our game and then we lost Danny Holmes which was a bit of a blow but James Jepson came on and did well. He was committed winning fifty-fifties, getting stuck in and using the ball well.
"Then we lost Mitch Hanson so we had to move the whole of the back four about so we had to put Jamie Barrett as full back and for the first time this season play Liam Guest and John Guy as centre backs and brought Lucas Harrison as left back.
"I thought the back four did excellent against a very experienced team and they got better as the game went on. The more pressure put on them they kept were getting their heads in and blocking the ball - they did very well today.
"Our keeper Ross Etheridge has been a bit quiet for the last few games but that's what he's there for to save shots on target. The thing is he holding them well and the ball is not bouncing off him. He had a very commanding game today.
"We felt Paolo Piliero's legs were just going a bit today so we brought Rob Spencer on who gave us a bit of life but you tell he hadn't played for a month and it took him a while to get into the game.
"It was another all round team performance. They got stuck in and put their bodies in when needed and try and play as well.
"Unfortunately, we left Sam Grice out today. In hindsight, looking at the conditions and the team we were playing it may have been a mistake but we've got away with it and won the game. Sam will be back with us on Monday. He's got a great future at this club and like Lucas Harrison they are still learning at this level of football and it will take a bit of time.
"Mitch Hanson has pulled a muscle and could be out two or three weeks. Danny Holmes has slightly twisted his knee but the good thing is that he works at Derby County and will probably get some treatment tomorrow but he's going to be two to three weeks out as well. It's a big disappointment but it opens the door for other people.
"I'd swap today for three points on Monday if I'm honest. I've just said to the players that we were the under dogs today odds which we like but Monday is really important for us. We know we need the three points to get us up the league after the disappointment of Tuesday's game.
"I knew they'd react today. In all cup competitions, Kettering, Brackley we've done well when we've played the better teams. Hopefully we'll get another home draw and see another big gate at the Moat Ground.
"Marc Goodfellow's goal was the goal of the season so far by miles. It just fell right for him, saw the goal and just hit it and he was a bit unlucky not to have scored right at the end but unfortunately Kieran O'Connell's head got in the way. Marc has done well today, he's worked a bit harder at his game with is always pleasing to see.
"All in all it was a team performance today. The dressing room is very quiet because they are all shattered and they'll all have a good rest tomorrow and be ready for Monday."
