Evo-Stik NPL League Division One South
Zeeco Stadium, Stamford
Saturday, 25th March 2017, 3.00pm
Gresley Make It Three On The Bounce
This was Gresley's first three game consecutive league win run of the season with a performance manager Damion Beckford-Quailey described as 'the best defensive showing so far'.
His side was solid and resolute with even the Stamford manager admitting his side could not break them down.
But, the win came at a cost though with Dexter Morris-Clarke, Tom Manship and Laithan Hammond all suffering injuries. Jon Stevenson also broke down in the warm-up to further hinder the manager's plans.
The only goal of the game came in the second half from Reece Morris his fifth league goal of this campaign in what had largely been a typical end of season affair.
Beckford-Quailey brought new signing from Kirby Muxlow, James Flinders in for his debut as keeper and he was soon tested as early as 15 minutes when he superbly tipped over a header from close in.
On a firm surface and a stiff wind in their faces Gresley were under some pressure but they were defending well. However, things got a little heated when Liam Marshall objected to a tackle from Alvin Jarvis with both receiving yellow cards. Matt Melbourne also received a yellow for comments made to the referee.
Minutes later another name went in to the referee's book when Laurie Wilson appeared to use his elbow as he jumped to challenge a high ball and was fortunate not to have received his marching orders.
The remainder of the first half became a scrappy affair with neither side managing to carve out any sort of meaningful chance at either end.
Stamford went closest to opening the scoring on 56 minutes when the ball crossed from the right seem to elude Flinders and the ball was headed back goalwards but Jamie Barrett was on hand to head the danger off the line.
Gresley had their first effort on goal in the second half on 62 minutes with Leandro Browne firing a low shot from just outside the area but home keeper Sam Donkin made a comfortable save.
Stamford followed this with an attempt at the other end which should have produced more than it did. A cross from the right by half time substitute John King found Jordan Smith in space but his header went well wide of the far post.
Gresley goal came on 73 minutes. They worked the ball out well from defence with some good inter-play between Morris-Carke and Browne with the ball being sent out to wide on the right to Morris. Morris then cut into the area and unleashed a low shot which beat Donkin at his near post.
The visitors could have made the game safe with six minutes remaining. A free kick from the right by Manship picked out substitute Ryan Walker at the far post who tried to kick the ball home when perhaps his head would have been a better alternative.
Stamford had managed to get the better of Gresley so far this season with a league win at the Moat Ground at the end of November and a draw and a win in the FA Cup in September so theses three points were very welcome and made all the sweeter with a clean-sheet only the fourth in the league so far.
