Match Report  |  Gresley FC vs Shaw Lane Aquaforce

Gresley were taught two lessons this afternoon. What a team can achieve if they work hard and take their chances and the other the harsh reality of the huge gulf in budgets available to the respective managers.

The latter became apparent very early on as big spending Shaw Lane took control of the game with the impressive Gavin Allott dictating terms. An early goal from skipper Matt Thornhill was added to late on in the first half by Allott and in the second half by Lee Morris.

The home side, who are yet to score at the Moat Ground in the league this season, found it difficult against a very well drilled side who seemed to have quality players in all positions on the pitch, but if a penalty had been put away within a couple of minutes of the second half starting things may have turned out differently.

Gresley manager had to make changes yet again to his side with the suspended goalkeeper Liam Roberts replaced by Ryan Swift. There was one more change with Martin Smyth replacing Joe Brothwell.

Shaw Lane set off well and were soon pushing the Gresley defence backwards with Alex Davidson trying his luck firing over the bar on 4 minutes.

Two minutes later they were in front. A cross from the right from Thornhill was not dealt with and Allott knocked the ball down to Thornhill who then poked the ball into the net with the aid of the far post.

Gresley full back Matt Roome then came to his side's rescue hooking a header from a free kick off the line to deny the visitors from doubling their advantage.

The home side were unlucky not to have levelled the game with just 4 minutes of the first half remaining as they had begun to claw themselves back into the game. A superb through ball by Smyth sent Jordan Ball down the left. His first shot was blocked and as he followed up his second was well parried by Ian Deakin.

Shaw Lane then made a fast break with Allott racing through the middle before slipping the ball past the exposed Swift.

Within two minutes of the second half starting, Gresley had a golden chance to get back into the game. Sam Wood made a run into the box only to be upended. Referee Liam Jones didn't hesitate and pointed to the spot. Alex Steadman, who had successfully put away his last penalty kick, took the ball but his shot was a poor one and Deakin easily made the save.

It was a matter of what if. Gresley may have put a few doubts in the visitors minds if they had converted the kick but ten minutes later they were to rue that miss as Shaw Lane added a third goal virtually ending the game. Jack Langston lost the ball in midfield and it was pounced upon by Allott who then picked out strike partner who coolly slotted the ball past Swift and into the far corner of the net.

It was no more that the visitors deserved. Indeed they could have added more goals. A cross from Morris was headed straight into the arms of Swift by Allott who was in space in the centre of the box and then Morris tried the cheekiest of chips over the head of Swift but also over the bar after running in from the right unchallenged.

Two more chances came at the end of the game, one for each side. Langston made the visiting keeper make a save with a well struck shot which was pushed away and then at the other end Swift made a fine block at his near post denying substitute Adam Priestley a goal.