Gresley Rovers vs Long Buckby
Ray of hope – Brian Spare – Burton Mail
After building a 2-0 lead in a first half they dominated, Gresley made unexpectedly hard work of securing a place in the next round of the FA Vase.
But the match proved a triumph for central defender Ray Skeemer, making his first appearance at the Moat Ground after breaking a leg two years ago.
Skeemer scored one of the goals and was involved in the other.
Manager Frank Northwood created a talking point before the kick off when he failed to find a place for Ian Earley in his side, naming him only as one of the two substitutes.
The first chance of the game came in the eighth minute. Brian Beresford won a chase for the ball on the left and his deep cross was met by Clive Arthur, who volleyed narrowly wide.
Gresley had the better of the early stages against a youthful Long Buckby side and they deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute thanks to the central defensive duo Steve Dolby and Skeemer.
Dolby gathered the ball on the right and put over a superb centre. Skeemer rose to meet the cross and put a firm header past keeper Russell.
Two minutes later Gresley went 2-0 in front and again Skeemer was involved.
David King did well to bring the ball out of defence to earn Rovers a right wing corner.
Skeemer rose to meet Clive Arthur’s kick and his header fell to Martin Devaney, who turned to fire into the roof of the net from close range.
Five minutes later Gresley went close to increasing their lead. By now they were finding their way through a painfully square Long Buckby defence with ease and on this occasion Clive Arthur’s chip over the keeper went narrowly wide.
As the half drew to a close Rovers again went close. The impressive Robert Philpott sent King clear, but the advancing Russell blocked his shot.
Long Buckby were gradually beginning to gain a certain amount of control and with 25 minutes remaining they reduced the deficit.
Rob McKay tried a speculative effort from 30-yards but Karl Austin surprisingly allowed it to creep inside his right hand post.
At half time it appeared that Gresley were on the way to a comfortable win, but this goal had altered things and they obviously had a battle on their hands.
Long Buckby were now looking a different side after being dominated in the first half.
The visitors brought on their second substitute in the 74th minute as they saw there was a real chance of their gaining something from the game.
However, it was Gresley who next went close. Devaney burst through the middle but a Long Buckby challenge managed to divert the ball for a corner.
Gresley’s play had now dropped a little after their return to form at the start of the game and Karl Austin had to dive low to his right to maintain Gresley’s lead.
With only two minutes remaining Gresley had the chance to make the game safe. John Laws was sent sprawling just inside the box and Mr Jeacock had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.
Arthur stepped up to take the spot kick but Russell dived to his right to save.
Gresley Rovers (2) 2
Long Buckby (0) 1
Scorers: Skeemer 22, Devaney 24 (Gresley Rovers); McKay 65 (Long Buckby).
Gresley Rovers: Austin, Bottomley, Bromley, Skeemer, Dolby, King, Arthur, Philpott (Banton 64), Devaney, Beresford, Laws. Sub not used: Earley.
Referee: J Jeacock (Leicester Forest East).
