Match Report  |  Loughborough Dynamo vs Gresley Rovers

Alfie Burley

Gresley Rovers kicked off their pre-season schedule with a thrilling 4-1 victory over step 4 side, Loughborough Dynamo.

With everyone hoping that the 2021/2022 season will be completed, Rovers made a huge statement in a dominant win over Dynamo, a game in which their new signings mightily impressed.

Goals from Steve Hart, Danny Munday, Kelvin Kasongo and Josh Burniston saw the away side come back after an early setback had put them 1-0 down after just five minutes.

The game did not start off well for Rovers, as they fell behind quickly. A shot from the edge of the box had been initially well saved by debutant, Lewis Fenney, however, on the follow up,
Ryan Nesbitt was quickest to react, slotting past the goalkeeper.

Gresley didn’t let their heads drop, however, and they quickly regained a foothold in the game.

They should’ve scored on at least one occasion when two defensive mistakes allowed Hart and Kane Lee free reign at goal. Yet, both their efforts were agonisingly put wide.

They wouldn’t live to rue those misses though, as Rovers deservedly equalised in the 42nd minute. After being slipped through the middle of the Dynamo defence, Hart finally took advantage for his team, finding the bottom corner past a rooted Jason Alexander.

With the scores level at half-time, Rovers were determined to keep the pressure on, and they controlled the early stages of the second period.

Gresley came within inches of taking the lead when a poor clearance from Dynamo’s substitute goalkeeper landed straight at the feet of Ashley Brown. After the midfielder teed up Hart, the striker unselfishly found his striking partner, Munday - but his shot rebounded off the inside of the post and away to safety.

Just four minutes later, however, Rovers were in front, and Munday was able to get his name on the scoresheet after he bundled home on the goalline following a deflected free-kick.

With the lead secured, many would be forgiven for expecting Rovers to try and hold onto their advantage - but the away side did quite the opposite, and continued to hound the Dynamo backline in the scorching heat of a July heatwave.

In the 77th minute, 17-year old debutant, Kelvin Kasongo warmed himself to the Gresley faithful with his first goal for the club. After being played through by Antonio Wedderburn, Kasongo showed bravery as he dived in to beat the Loughborough goalkeeper to the ball and slide it
underneath him to give his side a two-goal cushion.

Dynamo did have their moments from then on, most of their good play coming through their new signing, Nesbitt. Yet, it would be Rovers who would have the final say as Josh Burniston produced a delightful curling finish to round off a fantastic afternoon for Carl Abbott’s side.