Evo-Stik NPL League Division One South
The Moat Ground, Church Gresley
Saturday, 4th February 2017, 3.00pm
Poor Gresley Lose At Home
This game could be arguably be regarded as the worst performance witnessed at the Moat Ground this season.
Too many players were not up to the standard expected with numerous passes going astray especially in the first half.
Yes, there is the argument that the pitch didn't help Gresley's style of play but the players must learn to adapt to such conditions as they will play on similar surfaces many times at this level of football and the surface was the same for both sets of players.
It was a lacklustre performance that seemed to lack the fight and determination which the Moat Ground faithful look for from their side. The second half was a little better but still way below what was required.
Gresley manager Damion Beckford-Quailey kept the same starting line-up he used at Market Drayton with just the one change with keeper Rob Peet replacing Max Atkin.
Whereas last week Gresley fought hard and thoroughly deserved something out of the game today they honestly didn't deserve anything and the best team won.
Newcastle started strongly and were soon testing Peet with a shot from Niall Green. There followed two corners and from the second one Luke Askey was unlucky to see his header from Ricky Bridge's flag kick come back off the bar.
Peet was called into action a few minutes later when Chris Baker broke through the back line only for the Gresley keeper to bravely dive at his feet to smother the ball.
Town took a deserved lead on 32 minutes. Reece Morris unfortunately miss controlled the ball at the half way line and Town quickly took the throw in. The ball was then played up right flank before being cross over to the far post where Tom Unwin was allowed to rise unchallenged to head the ball back across Peet and into the far top corner.
Gresley's solitary shot on target in the first half came when Ben Harris struck a low shot which Town keeper could only parry but no Gresley players was in the box to pick up the pieces.
Beckford-Quailey made three early changes in the second half with Tom Manship, Dexter Morris-Clarke, Laithan Hammond replacing Harris, Lucas Harrison and Keenan King respectively.
The performance did improve in the second half compared to the first but Gresley were still finding it hard to get through some stubborn defending and their continuing to put their passes astray. Their first corner of the game came on 73 minutes but Parton easily grabbed the ball out of the air to extinguish any hope of a chance.
Somewhat against the run of play Gresley were handed a golden opportunity to take something out of the game which they ill deserved. Leandro Brown cut into the area from the left and was then tripped by Askey giving referee Edward Cook the easy task of pointing to the spot.
Matt Melbourne chose to take the kick but his poorly struck effort was easily saved by Parton diving to his left. That virtually saw the end of the chances for both sides.
