United Counties Premier Division North
The Moat Ground
Saturday, 12th February 2022, 3.00pm
Big One Ends All Square
Alfie Burley
Gresley Rovers were pegged back twice as they had to settle for a point against league leaders, Long Eaton United.
Steve Hart’s sending off in the second half set Rovers back and they conceded an equaliser to Jamie Walker having led 2-1 up until that point.
It was the second time Long Eaton had hauled themselves level after Romaine Grahame headed in from a pinpoint cross to negate Danny Munday’s opener.
Just nine minutes later Alex Morris headed into the top corner to put Rovers back in front.
Yet, the drama of the second half left Rovers rueing missed chances as they begrudgingly accepted a point against the current table-toppers.
United’s usage of the long-throw and strength from set pieces were evident in the first half as they funnelled much of their threat through these outlets.
However, despite a fast start from the visitors, Rovers were the team to hit the front as Munday showed his desire to win possession as he bore down on the Long Eaton goalkeeper, Sam Wilson.
The goalkeeper panicked, clearing the ball straight into Munday who then had the simple task of rolling into an empty net.
With the early lead secured, United continued to launch the ball into the Gresley box, but Morris and Mason Frizelle were repelling any danger, and Rovers could’ve and probably should’ve extended their lead.
George Clark initiated the move as he delivered what is becoming a trademark burst down the right-hand side, and his low ball into the box was perfect for Munday, but the striker could only direct the ball into the arms of Wilson.
Moments later, an even better chance presented itself as Munday squared the ball across to the arriving Izak Reid, but the midfielder leant back as he shot, sending his effort over the crossbar.
Rovers would live to rue these missed opportunities as Long Eaton equalised on the half-hour. From the second phase of a corner, Graham rose highest to meet a pinpoint delivery. The ball clattered off the crossbar, but the captain was on hand to head past Fenney at the second attempt.
Gresley were not to be deterred by the leveller though and took control of the first-half. Hart nearly pulled off the spectacular as he lobbed Wilson from deep inside the attacking half, but the goalkeeper did brilliantly to tip the ball wide.
From the resulting corner Hart swung an outstanding delivery onto the penalty spot, and the visitors were helpless as Alex Morris thundered a header into the top right corner.
In the second half Rovers carried on their momentum, and Munday had a golden opportunity to create a two-goal cushion but headed Hart’s cross to the back post over, with Wilson stranded.
Long Eaton would be handed a lifeline after 57 minutes however when Hart was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident.
Initially, however, the man disadvantage didn’t seem to affect Rovers, and they had a huge opportunity to upset the odds as a free kick fell to Frizelle mere yards from goal, but the defender snatched at his chance, blazing over the crossbar.
Less than a minute later Gresley were dealt a harsh blow as the ball bobbled fortunately to Walker in the box, and the winger ruthlessly converted, curling past Fenney.
Heads did not drop from a Rovers perspective however and they continued to battle, and ensured they left with a point after brave defending limited Long Eaton to very few opportunities in the final 20 minutes.
