Match Report  |  Sleaford Town vs Gresley Rovers

Rovers claimed another valuable 3 points on the road in their challenge of finishing the season out of the relegation pair making it 10 points out of a possible 12 points since the interim management team led by Gary Norton took charge of the team.

A poor bobbly surface which had been heavily sanded and a stiff breeze blowing from goalmouth to goalmouth didn’t make for a good game of football. It wasn’t helped by the histrionics from some of the home players who on being slightly touched fell writhing on the floor.

Rovers again found themselves behind after just two minutes. A freekick saw a low shot which Harvey Woodward did well to get down to and push it away for a corner. Sam Greenwood took the corner from the left and with the help of the breeze the ball went over Woodward’s head and into the net.

Woodward was called into action again a few minutes later. Harry Gibbons hit a terrific low shot which looked to be heading into the net, but the Rovers custodian made a good save to deny the frontman.

Rovers had their first chance of the game, and it produced the equaliser and what a goal it was and surely the goal of the season. A ball was cleared for 25 yards where it was met by Mitch White who hit a volley which arrowed into Harrison Leech’s top corner with such power that the keeper was left helpless. It was no more than Rovers deserved, and they began to take control of the game. Fin Barker hit a shot which flew just past the near post but on 24 minutes Rovers where in front.

A good move saw White find Barker who made no mistake finding the back of Leech’s net.
Just before the break Sleaford were forced into a change. Leech came out of his goal to claim a high ball challenged by Jenson Cooper. Unfortunately, the keeper seemed to land awkwardly and was stretchered off with what looked like a serious knee injury to be replaced by Lewis Smalley and out player.

At the beginning of the second half the home side made a further change with Lewis Rowland replacing Oliver Skinner and three minutes later he was in the referee’s book. Barker hit another shot wide followed by Rovers making their first change with Kane Lee coming on for Jack Thatcher. Another effort by Barker was well collected by Smalley.

Rovers increased their advantage on 80 minutes. A long punt fell perfectly for Cooper who raced forward before lobbing the ball over the head of Smalley and into the net.

The visitors extended their lead on 87 minutes when Lee fastened on to a good long ball down the right before picking out Sam Moore who smashed the ball home at the far post - a just reward for his hard-working performance.

Sleaford managed to reduce the scoreline with a fortunate goal. A high ball into the area seemed to strike Max Jemson’s shoulder before being helped into the net by Woodward.

Another late goal conceded but this time it had no effect on preventing Rovers travelling back to South Derbyshire with all three points and leapfrogging their hosts in the process.

Rovers now look forward to two massive games with title hunting Eastwood visiting the Moat on Saturday followed by the short journey to near neighbours Ashby on Easter Monday. Could Rovers pull off something which looked impossible a few games ago but with the confidence the side has now quite possible - fingers crossed.