Match Photos
Gresley Rovers vs West Bromwich Albion
Baggies bag the points
Gresley Rovers ended this year’s appearance in the Bass Vase with a narrow defeat to WBA at the Moat Ground.
Manager Jon Newsome continued to give a few trialists a run out in yet another different line up for Rovers.
Making their third pre-season appearances were Jamie Barrett, Craig Hopkins and Gary White and Newsome included Greg Pearce, the former Chesterfield defender who had had a run out with Burton Albion in their 2-1 defeat at Alfreton Town, and striker Dave Lawlor.
After a cagey opening few minutes with both sides having a look at each other Neil Kitching had the chance to score that elusive Gresley pre-season goal on 6 minutes.
The visitor’s keeper, Chris Adamson, made an awfully wayward throw out that caught the Gresley striker by surprise but with his back to the goal could not take advantage of the error.
West Brom began to put their game together and on 10 minutes Gresley keeper James Lindley denied Josh Gowling from opening the scoring but 3 minutes later the lively Daniel Carey-Bertram made no mistake with a superb finish to what was honestly one of only a handful of chances created by the visitors.
However, they could have quickly made it two when Des Lyttle put Simon Brown through. Brown looked a yard offside but thankfully could not capitalise on his good fortune and failed to test Lindley.
On 20 minutes Gresley put some pressure on their opponents and Chris Gray went close to getting the equaliser after being put through by Kitching who helped on a pass by Barrett but unfortunately he put his shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat.
Andy Cheetham was withdrawn by Newsome with a back strain on 24 minutes and replaced by Andy Bourne and on 31 minutes Lawlor was replaced by Chris Parkins to try and at least make some chances upfront.
Gresley’s injury count was added to on 39 minutes when Gary White was tackled from behind and had to withdraw with an ankle injury to be replaced by Matt Moran.
Perhaps it was the heat of the day that made the second half a pretty dull affair.
On 52 minutes Carey-Bertram went close to getting his second goal but his goal on the turn was turned around the post superbly by Lindley.
On 68 minutes trialist Pearce could have got his name on the scoresheet after he headed a pinpoint corner by Gray but unfortunately straight at the keeper.
Gray almost scored straight from another corner from the left but the ball crashed against the junction of upright and bar and away to safety.
Barrett also had a late chance but he volleyed a headed clearance by Lyttle well over the bar and his late free kick ended up going into the same garden after a sky high shot.
Although, not as good a performance as against Nottingham Forest, there was much to be pleased about with most of the new lads having a decent game.
One thing lacking at the moment seems to be goals. Chances to score against the likes of Stockport, West Brom and the Forest will always be few and far between but the true measure of Gresley’s striking prowess will be measured when they meet teams of a similar standard to themselves.
The manager's view
"I think we played better against Nottingham Forest but you have to take into account that we had some new players in again tonight.
" West Brom were the better team but it was a good work out for the lads and as I've said it is difficult when you bring in new faces because they have a short time to get used to how each other play.
"I don't think we were positive enough up front tonight but we were playing a pro club who don't give away many chances. When and if they come you have to take them.
"I'd like to work on some things in training but we can't get everyone to attend every session.
"I know we have a lot of work to do before the season starts but lets remember we have played three pro teams and I know that when we play teams of a similar standard the goals will come.
"A lot of our regulars were rested tonight due to injuries or not being available and that made a difference.
"Bringing in new faces is a what non-league football is all about. And I know some of the triallists won't commit themselves to us yet because they have other offers that they want to explore. But it's my job to try and persuade the lads I think we need to come and play for us.
"There will be some more new faces in the next game as we continue to prepare for the league matches."
Gresley Rovers (0) 0
West Bromwich Albion (1) 1
Scorer: Carey-Bertram 13.
Gresley Rovers: Lindley, James, G White (Moran 39), Cheetham (Bourne 24), Pearce, Barrett, Gray, Hopkins (Timms 85), Kitching, Lawlor (Parkins 31), Callan. Subs not used: Roberts, Greaves.
West Bromwich Albion: Adamson, Lyttle, Cudworth, Briggs, Adams (Midworth 69), Butler, Gowling, Warner, Brown (Attwell 87), Carey-Bertram, McHugh (Sherwood 85). Sub not used: Crane.
Referee: M Warren (Walsall).
