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Gresley Rovers coach Steve Dolby today warned: “The carnival’s over, tonight the real football starts.”
Hours before the Moatmen’s second tilt at capturing the FA Vase at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground (7.45pm), Dolby said Rovers were gritting their teeth for victory.“Everybody’s really determined that we are going to get the job done tonight,” said Dolby.
“Saturday was a bit of a carnival for both teams, but that’s all over. Now the real football match is on and everyone at Gresley aims to set our stall out to win the Vase.”
Rovers main worry today was over the fitness of defender Scott Elliott, who was brought off at Wembley with a knock on his calf and a bruised hip.
“Scott is doubtful but we are waiting to see how he recovers. We will leave that decision until just before kick off tonight and will see how he is when we get to the ground,” said Dolby. “Martin Dick is standing by, in case and everyone else is raring to go.”
Guiseley central defender Stuart McKenzie has recovered swiftly from a knee injury and is set to be in manager Gordon Rayner’s squad for tonight, while Ian Noteman may be drafted onto the bench.
A crowd of 10,000 is expected at Bramall Lane tonight, where a Sheffield United spokesman said interest was still running equally high from both Gresley and Guiseley fans.
Nine officials supporters’ coaches will be taking fans to Sheffield.
If tonight’s clash is drawn after extra time, a second replay will be held at Notts County’s ground next Tuesday, the FA said today.
Gresley will be donning their change strip of royal blue for the replay, while Guiseley revert to their primary colours of all white.
