Gresley Rovers vs Harrison's
Express derailed – Rex Page – Burton Mail
The Gresley express came ploughing off the rails at the Moat Ground last night.
Rovers’s hopes of leaping to the top of the West Midlands League Premier Division for the first time in a decade was shattered by their high flying rivals.
Harrison’s were polished and professional and were certainly good value for their victory, though they were probably a little flattered by a three goal margin.
In short, they outpaced and outmanoeuvred Gresley and, on the evidence of last night’s form will be a force to be reckoned with.
They swarmed forward almost from the first whistle, though it was Gresley who produced the first move to spell danger.
Phil Dearn and Brian Attley were decisively involved in a flowing move that ended with Allard showing good anticipation to save a firm low shot from Brian Beresford.
But it was Harrison’s who seized the initiative and for much of the first half Gresley’s major pre-occupation was in defence.
During that period of steady pressure the Wolverhampton side snatched a 20th minute lead.
A clumsy challenge by Roger Davies on the left gave Nicklin the chance to sling over a deep freekick, which Knight headed back for Atkinson to ram in a ferocious shot from 15 yards.
It was not until the closing stages of the half that Gresley were able to develop a pattern of their own, Allard using his legs to halt Attely’s spurt into the area.
Gresley briefly threatened to disturb Harrison’s defensive composure immediately after the interval and a trip by Lane on Davies, which earned a caution, underlined their momentary anxiety.
Against a lesser goalkeeper, Clive Arthur’s fiercely driven free kick might have produced a goal, but Allard sprang brilliantly to his right to push the ball over for a corner.
Rovers’ hopes were buried, however, by two startling goals in a three-minute spell.
With an hour gone a partially cleared corner dropped to Lane who took advantage of unexpected freedom 25 yards out to smash home a stunning right foot volley.
As if that was not enough, Gresley were made to suffer when they attempted to reinforce their attack.
A swift break caught them short of defensive cover and Norton capitalised by scoring with as sweet a chip as you are likely to see anywhere from outside the area.
Gresley sent on Ian Staley in vain attempt to turn the tide, but Harrison’s grip was unbreakable by this stage.
Allard was not tested again until the dying minutes, capping a superb evening’s work by clutching a firm header from Steve Dolby.
All else that Rovers had to show for that not inconsiderable contribution to a thoroughly entertaining game was a booking for Dolby.
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
Harrison’s (1) 3
Scorers: Atkinson 20, Lane 60, Norton 63.
Gresley Rovers: McNamara, Attley, Bromley, Davies, Watkiss, Earley, Arthur, Dearn, Butler, Beresford (Staley 65), Dolby.
Harrison’s: Allard, McLeod, Parkin, Atkinson, Calvin, Willie, Nicklin, Lane, Jones, Norton, Knight. Sub: Penn.
Referee: S D Ross (Polesworth).
Attendance: 320
