Atherstone United vs Gresley Rovers
Super, Mart! – Bob Briers – Burton Mail
Phil Marandola, the Gresley coach was philosophical, after his experimental side’s comprehensive defeat in last night’s Frank Tomlin Trophy match at Sheepy Road.
“Tonight’s game was no more than a friendly as far as we were concerned,” he said. “It was disappointing to give away two very sloppy goals, but cheering to see classy full back Martin Dick come through a second period without any reaction after a close-season operation.”
But he must have been concerned about the second half withdrawal of skipper Bob Aston who was taken to hospital a shoulder injury.
The Adders showed they were not going to release their grip on the trophy after only four minutes when Peter Eastoe, the former Everton and Birmingham front runner, clipped the ball passed Aston’s far post.
Eastoe’s influence brought its reward in the tenth minute when Dean Page was forced to handle. Referee Harold Tomson was well placed to award the spot-kick and Gary Bradder easily scored.
Gresley pressed forward with a series of corners but were unable to capitalise. And the Beazer Midland Division outfit stepped up a gear they were rewarded on 35 minutes when Andy Kennell fired home after Aston had acrobatically kept out Bobby Parker’s drive.
After half time the introduction of Wayne Secker, Ian Staley and new signing Graham Fearn did little to inspire Rovers.
Jack Oldershaw, who could be well pleased with his contribution, once combined well with Fearn only for his shot to nestle into the side netting.
With Aston leaving the field, defender Russ Turner took over between the posts and was immediately called into action, producing a good save after Eastoe cleverly found Parker.
But the Adders soon made it 3-0 when Parker rounded Turner to score easily after Page had pushed forward.
Gresley gained a consolation goal five minutes from time when Kane palmed away the ball leaving Gresley’s Andy Moore to fire home from the spot.
Marandola said: “The Rovers faithful will see a much better organised outfit against Burton Albion on Saturday in the Johnson Cup.”
Atherstone United (2) 3
Gresley Rovers (0) 1
Scorers: Eastoe 4, Bradder 10 (pen), Parker 70 (Atherstone United); Moore 85 (pen) (Gresley Rovers).
Gresley Rovers: Aston, Turner, Williams, Astley, Oldershaw, Page, Moore, Hill, Wells, Lovell, Hession. Subs: Mackenzie (64), Staley (45), Fearn (45), Dick (45), Secker (45).
Gresley man-of-the-match: Steve Astley.
Referee: H Tomson (Tamworth).
Attendance: 328
