Match Report  |  Gresley Rovers vs Boldmere St Michaels

Alfie Burley

Gresley Rovers secured their first three points of the season as they defeated fellow promoted side Boldmere St Michael’s at the Moat.

Despite dominating much of the game, the match remained goalless until the 85th minute when substitute Niall Towle converted from the penalty spot.

A late charge from Boldmere had to be weathered, but Rovers managed to hold out and record their first victory since promotion last year.

The first half proved to be a frustrating one for both sides as neither team could fashion out much in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

Boldmere did have an early sight of goal however, when Robert Thompson-Palmer forced Lewis Fenney into a fingertip save from his free-kick, with the loose ball somehow not being converted by a lurking attacker.

As the half wore on though Rovers started to gain control, and in the 32nd minute they should have taken the lead, but Kieran Wells’ header from Bekir Halil’s free kick was straight at Adam Whitehouse.

It was on the counter-attack that Boldmere looked most dangerous, and Jordi Gough had to be alert to produce a goal-saving block to deny Lewis Archer in front of goal.

Soon after the break Gresley once again had a huge opportunity from a Halil free-kick. This time Alby Lansdowne was left unmarked at the back post, but once again the header was put straight into the hands of Whitehouse.

The introduction of Kai Moore at the beginning of the second half seemed to give Rovers an extra impetus in attack, and the attacker was quick to test Whitehouse, forcing him into an instinctive save at his near post.

In front of goal, it just was not happening for Gresley, as once again they missed out from opening the scoring from a free-kick. On this occasion, a flick on found Wells unmarked but his effort ballooned over the crossbar.

Just when the game appeared to be heading towards a goalless draw, Rovers were given the perfect chance to go ahead when Moore was felled by Pedro Lima in the box.

The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and after being on the pitch for just ten minutes, Towle stepped up and confidently struck the penalty into the bottom left corner.

Boldmere attempted to mount a late charge, but Rovers used their aerial prowess to repel all the deliveries that were being looped into the Gresley box.

A first three points of the season was richly deserved for Rovers.