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Story courtesy of Burton Mail
Beaten boss Frank Northwood last night vowed to lead Gresley Rovers on another FA Vase adventure next season.
After seeing Rovers slide to a tortuous 3-1 defeat in their Bramall Lane replay with Guiseley. Northwood said: “The boys have got a little taste of what Wembley and the Vase is all about – and they want to go back.“People say that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I’m saying that there’s no reason why we shouldn’t do it again next season.”
Rovers took a 41st minute lead through Steve Astley, but the Yorkshire side hit back a minute later to equalise through Mark Tennison – their two goal Wembley hero – and gave a commanding second half display.
Dean Walling put Guiseley ahead with a brilliant 48th minute header and, after Gresley had had appeals for a penalty rejected, Rovers’ dream finally turned to a nightmare when Peter Atkinson plundered a third goal in the 69th minute.
Northwood said: “A draw was fair result at Wembley, but there’s no doubt the best team won tonight. They didn’t have a weakness. They were much quicker, sharper and stronger than us. In fact I would go as far as to say that Guiseley are the best team I have ever seen at this level.
“When your opponents create as many chances as they did you can’t really complain about the result. I still feel that over the two games the lads have done Gresley Rovers proud – and so have our fans because they were tremendous again tonight. We’ve got nothing to be ashamed about.”