Evo-Stik NPL Division One South
Marston Lane, Stafford
Saturday, 2nd April 2016, 3.00pm
Rangers Take the Points
Gresley traveled to Marston Road to take on title favourites Stafford Rangers and in front of a splendid crowd of 784 matched and at times got the better of the high-flying hosts.
The biggest difference between the two sides was the finishing as Gresley could easily been a couple of goals to the good by half time but they struggled to finish their chances, something that has been a problem for most of this season.
Manager Gary Ricketts once more juggled his side with Jamie Barrett returning to the heart of the defence and John Guy moving over to left back. Jack Langston, who is to have an operation on his troublesome knee during the close season, was also in the starting line-up.
It was the visitors who started the better of the two sides with Martin Smyth firing his shot straight at Rangers keeper Adam Whitehouse.
Against the run of play Rangers had a good chance to take the lead on 25 when a miss kick in the area by Jack Langston allowed Nathan Rooney to collect the before dashing forward but keeper Matt Cottrell did well to block his shot with his legs.
However, two minutes later Rangers took the lead when a free kick from the left by Rooney found Christian Dacres at the far post who then headed the ball back into the box where Jermain Johnson was on hand to slip the ball home from close in.
To Gresley's credit they did not allow their heads to drop and were level within four minutes. Awarded a free kick from 22 yards Langston took the kick quickly and seeing Whitehouse off his line struck a sublime shot over the keeper's head and into the net stunning the home crowd.
With five minutes remaining of the first half Gresley went a couple of inches from taking the lead when Ricketts struck a shot from distance which scorched the top of Whiitehead's bar.
Levi Reid then fizzed a shot wide at the other end but a quick break saw the home side go in at the break with a lead. Johnson was given too much time as he raced down the left. Young Gresley defender Albert Lansdowne could not stop his progress and Johnson cut in before hitting a low shot which took a deflection and then dropped into the path of the prolific Ben Haseley who accepted the gift ramming the ball home from close in. The score was a little harsh on Gresley who had had the better of their hosts in the first half.
Rangers started the better of the two sides in the second half and a free kick from Rooney laid on a good chance for Reid who skewed his shot wide.
The third goal was also a fortunate one. Haseley, who had been quite quiet, hit a shot which Cotrell did well to parry but the rebound fell nicely for Rooney who fired the ball back into the net.
Cottrell did well to keep his side in the game when he managed to grab the ball on his goal line.
On 72 minutes Ricketts went close to pulling a goal back when he beat the keeper to a high ball in the area but Whitehouse managed to grab the ball at the second before the big striker could get his foot to the ball.
Gresley had a great shout for a penalty a few minute later when Ricketts was clearly pushed over in the area but referee Mr Griffiths waved the appeals away.
That was the last action for the Gresley player-manager as he hobbled off the pitch to be replaced by Brad Smith.
Liam Holt warmed Whitehouse's palms with a well struck low shot followed by a curling shot from the lively Ryan King which Whitehouse did well to hold.
With two minutes of the game remaining Langston succumbed to his injury and was replaced by Jake Carlisle.
The final score-line was harsh on Gresley who had performed well against their illustrious hosts.
