Match Report  |  Stourport Swifts vs Gresley Rovers

Gresley’s set piece shortcomings cost them as they fell to a convincing 4-1 defeat at Stourport Swifts.

Despite taking a deserved lead in the first-half through the on-form Paul Sullivan, two quick-fire set pieces turned the game on its head. Further goals from James Timmins and Bailey Fuller ultimately securing Stourport a thorough victory.

Rovers actually made a very positive start to the game and could have been ahead 15 minutes in had Junior Smikle connected better with the ball whilst well-positioned.

The right back collected Sullivan’s squared ball before sending his shot swirling over the crossbar. Ten minutes later, however, Rovers would be ahead.

Joe Haines showed the little bit of quality that was needed with a lovely dinked ball through to Sullivan. The skipper took it past his marker before calmly firing past the goalkeeper, continuing his recent hot streak.

Gresley’s lead would not last long, as their usual weakness reared its ugly head. A free kick was swung into the box and despite a spectacular block from Lucas Harrison, Joe Phillips was on hand to smash home the rebound.

Quickly, Stourport would completely turn the game around and lead 2-1 in the 32nd minute when following a corner, the ball was recycled on the left-hand side and Timmins was free to nod past Fryatt.

The quick turnaround seemed to startle Rovers and Swifts began to dominate the game, and just before half-time, Stourport would give themselves a cushion.

Three minutes before the end of the first period, Martin Slevin’s free kick was glanced into the far corner by a rising Timmins.

Following the break, Gresley conceded a fourth which seemed to seal the three points. After spotting Joe Fryatt off his line, Bailey Fuller did fantastically to loop his shot over the goalkeeper with ultimate control and accuracy.

Rovers did not give up, however, and Sullivan a constant threat throughout the game saw his shot from the edge of the box bobble wide of the far post.

Jack Storer’s introduction also seemed to rejuvenate Gresley’s attack, and he displayed all of his ability when he stuck cleanly with a half-volley on the edge of the box, only for it to be straight down the throat of the Stourport ‘keeper.

The former Birmingham City youngster continued to terrorise the Swifts defence as he slalomed past three defenders before forcing Dominic Richards into a fingertip save.

Stourport did have chances to press home their advantage, however, as Drew Canavan was inches away from finding the back of the net with a curler from the left of the box.

Yet it was, Jack Storer who shone in the final stages as his free kick forced Richards into another good save.

However, for all of Gresley’s second-half endeavour, their failure to defend set-pieces in the latter stages of the first-half ultimately cost them as they fell to their third defeat of the season.