News

Rovers have not kicked a ball in anger since the Bank Holiday Monday victory over Tamworth and last night trained for the first time since then, staging a full-scale practice match on the Shobnall Club Turf pitch at Burton.

Manager Steve Dolby said afterwards: “We’re all just looking forward to playing again. We’ve not done anything for 10 days so it was important to get a good 90 minutes in tonight – we’ve not even been able to train on our pitch because of the weather.”

One piece of good news for Dolby was that striker Paul Acklam, out since the end of October, was able to take part in last night’s run out and now awaits a specialist’s go-ahead to resume full training after a stomach injury.

Rovers reserve defender David Mead, who represented England Colleges in the 1-1 draw with Wales in December, has been selected for a 16-man All-Britain Colleges squad for games against the Royal Navy in February, the Scots FA in March and the Army in April.

His father, Philip Mead, said of the 18-year-old this week: “ We’re very pleased and proud of him. He’s enjoying it down at Gresley and is just hoping to get a chance in the first team.”

A Race night in aid of Paul Acklam/ Martin Dick/ Neil Lovell testimonial fund takes place a week tonight at the Moat Ground social club.

Rovers’ annual disco-buffet social evening will take place at Bass Sports and Social Club, Wetmore Road, Burton, on Friday January 22nd.

Gresley’s supporters association is staging a New Year recruitment drive. The association, brainchild of club development officer Frank McArdle, was launched at the start of the season and has been recruiting steadily.

Co-ordinator Nick Holmeshaw says: “It’s a good way for fans to get more closely involved with the club.”

For a £5 enrolment fee members receive a regular newsletter, a club lapel badge, fixture list, full details of away matches and discounted travel to away matches.

Under-14 members become “Junior Moat Men” with the chance to meet Rovers players and lead the team out as mascot.