Derbyshire Senior Cup Semi-Final
The Moat Ground, Church Gresley
Tuesday, 7th February 2017, 7.45pm
Gresley Flattens Bucks Fizz
It's often said 'what a difference a day makes' but in this case it's what a difference three days makes' as Gresley beat their Premier Division high-flyers Buxton to claim a place in the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final with a performance far removed from that witnessed on Saturday against Newcastle Town.
From the off Gresley were on the front foot working hard and pressing Buxton back and took their chances when they arose.
Gresley manager Damion Beckford-Quailey made changes to his side with Max Atkin taking the goalkeeper slot, Ryan Walker, Dexter Morris-Clarke, Tom Manship and Laithan Hammond all given a start. There was also a debut for Leandro Cobas-Ladrero who has been impressive for the reserves this season.
Buxton who are, at present, in a play-off position lying fourth in the Premier Division made a few changes but still fielded a strong side.
The visitors had the first chance with just 2 minutes on the when Bradley Grayson turned on the edge of the area bit fired wide.
With Gresley's first attack of note they took the lead on 6 minutes. Keenan King raced down the left and lashed a shot from distance which beat visiting keeper Jack Barlow at his near post.
Buxton looked shell shocked and could have fallen even further behind when Manship made a chance for himself dashing down the right but his shot hit the side netting at the near post. Reece Morris then went close firing the ball just wide of the post.
Gresley were looking dangerous and were pressing when a run from Hammond down the right ending with a low cross into the box but Keenan King couldn't get the final touch.
The first half finished with Buxton creating a chance. A free was played to James Jackson who forced Atkin to make a smart save at his near post.
Within three minutes of the second half starting Gresley doubled their lead. Debutant Cobas-Ledrero sent over a superb deep cross which was met at the far post by Morris who smashed the ball home.
Buxton started to press Gresley back and went close to getting on the scoresheet when a cross-cum-shot from Grayson flew across Atkin but hit the base of the far post and away.
Atkin had to be alert saving well to deny a flicked header from close in from finding the back of the net.
Buxton were finding the Gresley defence in a stubborn mood as they repelled the attacks as they arose but Luke Hinsley almost got past down the right but his final shot found the side netting.
Gresley carved out another chance with Hammond's determination ending with him finding substitute Matt Melbourne on his right but the final effort flew well wide.
Play switched to the other end with Buxton going close again when a deflected shot struck the bar. They had one more chance deep in added time but the outstretched leg of Atkin denied them.
A minute later Morris scored his second goal of the night to send his side into the final. Morris robbed the ball midway in the Buxton half and raced forward. He cut in from the right, rounded the keeper and finally smashed his shot past a defender on the line and into the net.
Gresley will now meet Matlock Town who beat Alfreton Town on penalties a repeat of the final held at the home of Chesterfield two seasons ago.
