Match Report  |  Anstey Nomads vs Gresley Rovers

The cliche “a game of two halves” was very appropriate for this game. Anstey dominated the first half and fully deserved their lead at the break. Indeed, if it had not been for some superb save from Rovers’ keeper, Lewis Fenny, the margin could have been much bigger. The second half was much closer with Rovers managing to get some shots on target which they’d failed to do in the first half.

Rovers were missing players due to injury and unavailability which resulted in some of the starting eleven playing in unfamiliar positions and it wasn’t long before the pressure from the home side resulted in a goal.

A quick move through the middle by the impressive Nyle Blake ended with him firing past Fenney after just 9 minutes. A few minutes later Nomads went close with Luis Rose just wide of the far post.

The home side looked threatening every time they raced forward this time forcing a corner which was narrowly over the bar. Blake was proving a handful and another rapid move down the left this time was foiled by an outstanding save from Fenney who managed a vital touch to send the ball for a corner. The first was blocked but the subsequent one was powerfully headed home by the unmarked Blake at the near post.

The pressure on the visitors’ defence was non-stop and Fenney was needed to deny Blake from completing his hat-trick with only 32 minutes on the clock. Rose’s goal bound shot was deflected for a corner.

Fenney was by far the busier of the two keepers and he pulled off yet another superb save pushing a well struck free kick from Rose away.

Another piece of slack defending allowed Nomads to add to their tally when Lewis Gibbins rose unmarked to head home at the near post. Rovers were under severe pressure with shots peppering their goal only for them to be either blocked or deflected. The whistle at the end of the first half was a relief for players and supporters alike.

Rovers made changes hoping to bring a change to their performance and they did manage to get some efforts on the home goal.

Lloyd Patterson and Jordan Edwards replaced James Spruce and Ste Hart respectively and forced their first corner of the game on 68 minutes.

On 73 minutes Rovers managed their first shot on goal. Awarded a free kick 20yards out, Bradley Maslen-Jones hit a well struck shot which home keeper Conrad Logan did well to tip the effort over the bar.

However, with Rovers trying to press forward they were almost caught out, but Freddie Robinson’s shot struck the woodwork. At the other end, Logan made another very good save diving to his left to tip Lewis Belgrave’s shot over the bar.

Rovers made their final change with Dylan Hunniford replacing Leavi Oshungbure to try and get at least a consolation goal but despite some late pressure it was the home side who could have added a fourth goal deep in time added on but another unmarked header from a corner was put over the bar by Corey Armani when well placed.