Match Report  |  Gresley FC vs Chasetown

Gresley's vital win against Chasetown at the Moat Ground tonight means a tense finale on Saturday at the home of Stafford Rangers as both sides still have the chance of grabbing one of the play-off places.

After being denied two points against Tividale on Saturday, which would have ensured a play-off berth with tonight's win, the Moatmen knew that this game was going to be a must win encounter against an improving and capable Chasetown.

The visitors' fortunes have turned around since the appointment of Marcus Law at the end of January and in end the Moatmen had to hang on to make sure the disappointment of Saturday didn't happen again.

In what was an entertaining game, Alex Steadman gave the home side the lead midway through the first half only for Simon Brown to level from the spot. A bizarre own goal from Francino Francis gave Gresley lead once more and despite a long spell of second half pressure they defended well to hang on to their precious lead to set up a nail biting end to the regular season.

Gresley manager Wayne Thornhill was forced into making a change as defender Mitch Hanson failed to recover from his foot injury which forced him off in the second half of the Tividale game. John Guy moved into the central defensive slot alongside Jamie Barrett and Lucas Harrison returning the left back position.

The home side started well almost catching Chasetown with a fast break. Harrison slipped the ball down the left for Kieran O'Connell who in turn fed it through to Steadman whose deflected shot was well saved by visiting keeper Curtis Pond.

Chasetown hit back with a fast break themselves which ended with Daniel Griffiths firing a low shot from distance which keeper Liam Roberts held comfortably.

Eric Graves then did well to intercept a pass sending O'Connell down the right who then get the better of Francis before hitting a low shot which was held by Pond.

A minute later Gresley were in front. Chasetown only half cleared the ball and Graves headed the ball back into the area where Steadman controlled superbly before firing home.

Just before the half hour mark Chasetown were level. Nataniel Waite had made his way into the area only to be tripped giving referee Mr Gratton no alternative but to award the penalty. Brown stepped up and beat Roberts to his right with a coolly taken spot kick.

However, 4 minutes later Gresley were back in front from what can only be described as an unfortunate misunderstanding. Francis tried to loop a back pass to his goalkeeper who was well off his line. The ball bounced in front of Pond and over his head and into the net much to Francis' embarrassment.

Chasetown went close almost immediately. Griffiths, who was fortunate to get away with handling the ball in the build up, drove into the area bringing a good save out of Roberts at his near post.

Within a couple of minutes of the start of the second half Gresley went close to extending their lead when Steadman found O'Connell who went racing into the area but Pond was quick off his line to block the attempt.

The action went to the other end with substitute Jonathan Gould's shot taking a deflection but Roberts was alert saving well.

Another chance went begging for the Moatmen on the hour. O'Connell made a good run down the right before squaring the ball to Steadman in the centre of goal but he can only steer the ball to Pond who gratefully gathers.

Graves is then picked out by Martin Smyth but his effort is held by Pond. Pond's clearance is a poor one and Graves once more has a half chance but this time the ball flies over the bar.

Another chance for the Moatmen when Matt Roome threads the ball through to O'Connell but the angle is too tight and he fires into the side netting.

The next chance falls to Smyth as he collects a loose clearance but his shot sails well over the bar. Could Gresley rue not converting the chances they'd made as Chasetown began to apply the pressure with the home defence having to work really hard to hold on to their precious lead.

Chasetown were having the better of the final ten minutes or so forcing Gresley back. You could feel the tension in the home supporters as the spectre of Saturday's late equaliser came back to haunt them. Could it happen again?

With time running out a good ball by Francis from the right found substitute Jonathan Gould unmarked in the area but he put his header wide.

Somewhat against the run of play Gresley almost grabbed a third goal. O'Connell found substitute Rob Mulonga who raced down the left where he then cut inside but his shot was well blocked by Pond at his near post.

When Mr Gratton blew the final whistle the relief of the home supporters was audible and the stage is now set for an exciting final day of league action as five teams Newcastle, Gresley, Sutton, Spalding and Stafford all vie for the final three play-off places.

Gresley visit Stafford, Newcastle visit Stocksbridge, Sutton Coldfield visit Norton United and Spalding visit Romulus all of them difficult games.