Match Report  |  Stamford AFC vs Gresley Rovers

Alfie Burley

Gresley Rovers collected their first point on the road this season with a hard-fought point against promotion favourites Stamford.

Having lost out to stiff opposition in Halesowen Town on Tuesday, Rovers managed to hold out for a valuable point against opponents who had held a perfect record going into the match.

A slow start saw Stamford take an early lead with Harry Vince finding the bottom corner from just outside the box.

Yet Rovers responded quickly for the second straight match. This time Alby Lansdowne profited from some hesitant defending from the hosts, the midfielder instinctively thumping a half-volley past the goalkeeper.

With just three minutes on the clock Rovers were already behind. Gresley’s defence was static as Stamford played their way into the attacking third, with the ball eventually falling to Vince who punished the away side’s slow start.

Rovers responded positively however and were unlucky to not equalise as Kieran Wells curled just over following a mistake from Ben Heath.

Jordi Gough also saw his shot parried whilst Lansdowne flicked a header inches wide.

Lansdowne would have a second chance to level proceedings, and this time converted. A free kick into the box was not dealt with by Stamford’s defence, allowing the ball to drop kindly to Lansdowne who duly found the bottom corner.

Michael Williams nearly put Gresley into the lead, but his powerful header from Wells’ delivery was just over.

With half-time moments away Stamford nearly dealt Rovers with a sucker punch, but after cutting onto his left foot, Cameron Johnson curled just wide of Lewis Fenney’s goal.

After the break, Rovers had their best chance to take the lead in the 53rd minute, but Lansdowne was unable to get his and Gresley’s second with his close-range strike being blocked on the goal-line.

For much of the second half however, Stamford dominated possession and bombarded Rovers with multiple set pieces, but despite a few headers coming close, Gresley managed to keep their hosts at bay.

With Stamford increasing their pressure within the last ten minutes, Mason Frizelle was forced into a goal-saving block brilliantly denying Jack Duffy in the box.

Fenney also had to save Rovers before the match ended, the ‘keeper getting out quickly to snuff out an opportunity at the back post.

Ultimately Rovers held out for a deserved point against a side that had started the season in unbeatable form.