Evo-Stik NPL League East Division
Sun Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium, Lincoln
Saturday, 30th March 2019, 3.00pm
White Take The Points
Football can be a frustrating game at the best of times but especially when you are down at the bottom of the league.
Gresley had dominated majority of this game from start to finish but just could not find a way through the Lincoln defence. They did have the ball in the net, but Lei Brown was harshly adjudged to have been offside.
For yet another game Gresley manager Gavin Hurren was forced into changes with Dexter Morris-Clarke, Mark Smith and Callum Riddell all unavailable.
Ben Allsop was given the goalkeeper shirt and new signing Lei Brown was also included in the starting line-up. Brad Lawley returned after missing the last game as did Spencer Weir-Daley who was on international duty last weekend.
On 11 minutes Gresley thought they’d taken the lead but the raised flag of the assistant referee cut short the celebrations.
Allsop was brought into service a couple of minutes later making a smart save with his legs denying Jack Wightwick.
Both sides were finding it difficult to get the better of the opposition’s defence with Lawley hitting his shot from distance wide of the mark.
Despite Gresley having the better of the half they went close to dropping behind when a shot from Matt Cotton was deflected just wide for a corner.
As the first half drew to a close Gresley made a fast break as Lincoln was pressing but Kane Lee was cynically brought down by Sean Wright earning the defender a justified yellow card.
Gresley continued to have the better of the possession in the second half but still could not get the better of the Lincoln defence. Connor Deards was forced into trying his luck from distance, but his effort went over the bar.
On 72 minutes Gresley were caught out from a set-piece. Awarded a free kick 22 yards out Scott Matthews curled a superb shot around the wall and into the net.
Gresley could feel themselves a tad unlucky to be behind but, to their credit, their heads did not drop and continued to search for the goal they deserved.
Brown had a fierce shot parried by home keeper Michael Emery just to the edge of the 18-yard but no Gresley play was on hand to fire it back.
Weir-Daley was unlucky when, getting the better of the home back-line, felt the pass from midfield hit him between the shoulder as he raced towards goal.
The substitute, who had replaced Joshua McKenzie, had a chance a few minutes later but his shot was straight at Emery.
Substitute Devante Reittie also had a chance with 6 minutes remaining. A corner from the right by Mark Branch was cleared only as far as the ‘D’ on the edge of the area and the youngster struck his shot well enough but it whistles past the upright with the keeper rooted to the spot.
For Gresley the games are rapidly running out and they desperately need some points. This was one of the better performances but still nothing to reward their endeavour although they deserved a share from this one at least.
