Match Report  |  Gresley Rovers vs Lichfield City

Rovers took another step in the prestigious competition as they overcame visitors Lichfield City at the Moat Ground. Their reward for their win is another home tie on Saturday 17th August against Sporting Khalsa.

Missing several players Rovers fought back after going behind and in the end were well worthy of their win.

Rovers started brightly with Fin Barker showing his intent and forced an early block off James Beeson in the visitors' goal. However, just three minutes later he was not to be denied again. A great run down the left he cut inside before curling a shot into the far corner with Beeson well beaten.

City hit back and it required two good blocks to deny them but on 37 minutes they were level. Awarded a free kick 20 yards out was taken by Danny Lomas which found the far bottom corner of the net. Rovers had not got their breath back before the visitors netted a second just 60 seconds later. They won the ball back from the kick off and Jordan Clement run forward and hit a low shot which beat debutant Charlie Wood.

Barker was having a good game and went close to adding a second to his tally but again his final shot, after being put through, was blocked by Beeson.

Rovers started the second half well and drew level on 53 minutes. A long throw from the left by Alby Lansdowne caused problems in the City goalmouth with a shot blocked on the line byt Danny Munday was on hand to ram the loose ball home.

Despite Rovers starting to get on top City went close on 60 minutes when a free kick looked to be heading home but Wood got a vital touch diverting the ball onto the post. They went close again when a cross from the left with a powerful diving header by Joe Haines flying just wide.

On 64 minutes the crowd in the Moat witnessed one of the goals of the season so far. Joe Meakin realised, on the halfway line on the right, that his marker was on the wrong side of hom and seeing Beeson well off his line launched an audacious lob over the keeper and into the empty net.

Both sides made changes and was busy and somewhat redeemed himself a little making two good blocks as Rovers threatened. Barker went close again on 84 minutes beating his marker before going around Beeson who had forced him wide but his shot from a very tight angle agonisingly flew across the face of the empty goal.

Man-of-the match Barker set off on a blistering run down the left beating several defenders as he flew into the area, but the goal which would have capped off a dazzling display, was crudely brought down by Besson and in doing so the keeper collected a fully deserved red card. Haines took up the gloves and jersey before being beaten by the low powerfully struck effort from Kane Lee.

Time ran out for City, but Rovers can now look forward to locking horns against familiar opponents Sporting for a chance to progress.