News

But far from being daunted by the prospect of an early start on 21st August manager Steve Dolby said: “That’ll do nicely.”

Dolby explained: “It gets one of the long trips out of the way straight away and it will be less of a pressure situation for the players than playing our first Premier Division game at home.”

While Rovers fans will be checking their route maps, Burton Albion followers can look forward to the campaign starting at Eton Park against Trowbridge Town.

Manager Brian Kenning said: “We can expect a tough game from Trowbridge because they usually go off like a rocket and win their first four or five games.”

The much-awaited clashes between Gresley and Albion come, as anticipated, during the Christmas and Easter holiday periods.

Rovers are hosts on 27th December, with Albion enjoying the privilege on Easter Saturday 2nd April.

Albion can expect to face a four-figure crowd of the campaign when they entertain Nuneaton Borough on August Bank Holiday Monday.


Gresley fans face a £1 hike admission charges to watch their team next season – but will still be getting on of the cheapest deals in the Beazer Premier Division, says club officials.

Rovers have announced increased admission prices of £3.50 for adults and £1.70 for children and OAP’s, compared with £2.50 and £1.50 last season.

But the Moat Ground will be the only stadium in the division where no extra charge is imposed for a seat.

Announcing the new charges last night, Rovers secretary Neil Betteridge said: “The expenditure we have incurred to bring Premier League football to the Moat Ground has meant that we have had little choice other than to increase admission prices to a level consistent with others – and cheaper than many – in the division. We believe that £1 increase for adults and 50p for children and OAP’s while maintaining our policy of no additional charge for the 350 available seats makes our prices more than competitive at this standard of football.”