Derbyshire Senior Cup Quarter-Final
The Moat Ground, Church Gresley
Tuesday, 2nd February 2016, 7.45pm
Gresley Go Through In The Senior Cup
Gresley manager Gary Ricketts gave a debut to recent signing from Brocton keeper Mathew Cottrell. James Machin was given a start in what was a strong line-up.
I was hard going at first against a Pinxton side set up to defend. Despite creating chances some determined defending and saves from the visiting keeper kept Gresley at bay until just after the half hour mark when they eventually broke through with John Guy scoring.
Before the opening goal Jordan Ball headed Jack Langston's corner goal wards but Jimmy Adcock was on hand to head the ball off the line.
Langston then fizzed a free kick just wide of the far post and the Ball had another chance curling the ball into the far corner but keeper Gareth Briggs did well to tip the ball wide for a corner.
Gresley's goal came when Machin robbed Danny Evans and picked out Ball who in turn sent Guy racing forward. He raced in on goal rounded the keeper and coolly slipped the ball into the unguarded net.
The lead lasted for all of four minutes. A short corner on the left ended with the ball fired into the box and Gresley failed to clear the danger and Tom Ellis was there to smash the ball into the net fron close in. Despite having most of the possession Gresley had been pegged back with the scores level at the break.
Pinxton went close early in the second half when a long throw into the area for Pete Stubley who hammered in a shot from the edge of the area and Cottrell did well to push the ball away for a corner.
The Moatmen took the lead when Matt Roome's cross from the right was powerfully headed past Briggs.
Gresley began to take control of the game as Pinxton appeared to be fading a little and the home side where finding space behind the visiting back four. Guy struck a shot which must have stung the palms of Briggs and Gresley were forcing corners.
The Moatmen increased their advantage on 76 minutes. Guy pushed the ball down the left to Ball who then charges into the box before cutting the ball back for substitute Ricketts who had replaced Machin ten minutes previous. Unfortunately, Ricketts didn't connect but the ball rolled through to Martin Smyth running into the box and he fired home.
The game was as good as ended when Gresley added a fourth goal just three minutes later. Guy sent over a cross from the left and Ball, sliding in at the back post, volleyed home.
Gresley had numerous chances to extend the score further as the clock ran down. Carlisle had a header cleared off the line and Smyth went close to adding to his tally. A shot skimmed the base of the far post and then Briggs saved well to deny him.
The homeside had one more chance at the end of the game when a quick break saw Ricketts race forward but his shot was well saved by Briggs.
Gresley will now face Alfreton Town at the Moat Ground in the semi-final - on a date to be confirmed.
