Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Hucknall pre-match news
Rovers travel to Conference North outfit Hucknall Town into tonight's FA cup 2nd Qualifying round replay hoping to cause the upset that would see them earn the reward of a trip to Altringham in the next round.
The only squad change from Saturday will be the absence of keeper Dale Belford who injured his back on Saturday. James Pemberton will keep goal after replacing Belford just before the interval in Saturday's 2-2 draw. Gresley manager Gary Norton was hoping to be able to give his squad time off this week but the replay put paid to those plans. "Originally we were scheduled to play Kidsgrove in the league tonight but that was postponed a few weeks ago due to their involvement in their County cup. That would have meant a free week and an opportunity for the lads to have a well-earned break from games. We have a small squad and playing Saturday and midweek every week as well as training is starting to take its toll. It's a long hard season and we may need to look to bring 1 or 2 new faces in to help us through in the forthcoming weeks and months."
Norton was confident his side were still capable of causing an upset despite perhaps missing the opportunity to do the job on Saturday. He said: "We played very well on Saturday and Hucknall from all accounts played below the standard that they have recently set themselves since Dean took over. If the same happens tonight then there's no reason why we cannot go there and do it. Perhaps there will not be many people giving us much of a chance but after Saturday's performance the lads know that we can do it. They are playing in front of their own supporters and if they don't start the game well, that could play in our favour. We have absolutely nothing to lose and we will be doing our very best to go out and play how we know we can."
