Match Report  |  Gresley Rovers vs RC Warwick

Alfie Burley

Ten man Gresley secured a point against Racing Club Warwick in their first league match back since COVID-19 brought an abrupt end to the 2019/2020 season.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, the main talking point came when with ten minutes to go, Alby Lansdowne was given his marching orders for a rash challenge on the left touchline.

Despite the man disadvantage, Rovers still managed to hold onto a point and even threatened to snatch a winner, however they were forced into a desperate goal-line clearance late on.

Rovers would have the first of few clear opportunities to open the scoring in the 8th minute. Some brilliant play from Lee Butler saw the midfielder make his way down the right hand flank before crossing to Louis Briscoe. Instead of going for goal, however, Briscoe nodded down to Joe Haines who spun and shot over.

Warwick did, however, pose a threat on the counter attack, and were forcing Rovers into a couple of mistakes in possession with their high press. Yet, they found it hard to fashion out anything to trouble Fryatt.

The only other chance of the first period again went the way of Gresley in the 43rd minute. Briscoe found Smikle over the top of the Warwick defence, who fizzed a ball into the box. His cross was met by a Warwick defender, who was inches away from sliding the ball into his own net.

The beginning of the second half offered higher hopes as Tory Herbert made Fryatt save low to his left, and Kaylum Mitchell had a shot blocked on the edge of the area. Warwick even nearly went ahead in the 53rd minute when Fryatt produced a fingertip save to deny Edison Panzo-Antonio.

From the hour mark, the Racers started to wobble, with Rovers gaining momentum in attack. The pressure nearly paid off when Fortune Maphosa dallied on the ball in the box, and duly had his pocket picked by Mitchell. The winger’s shot, however, was snuffed out by Brandon Ganley.

Lee Butler and Junior Smikle saw powerful long-range drives miss the target, before Lansdowne’s dismissal in the 79th minute.

After going from flooding forward, Rovers had to be more conservative for the last ten minutes, but they were still gaining chances through the hard work and perseverance of substitute, Danny Munday. Lucas Harrison had a 30 yard shot fly over before Butler struck wide from a free kick.

Gresley would be thankful for the point in the end, however, as Warwick nearly snatched victory very late on. After a defensive mix-up, Tom Smith raced away from the retreating Rovers defence. His shot was well saved by Fryatt, but the rebound was nearly turned into his own net by Mason Frizelle. The physical centre-half, however, was relieved to see Smikle well placed to clear off the line.

Ultimately, the sides shared the points with neither side able to find enough quality in the final third.