Note that this page is from our archive during the time when the club was called Gresley FC. It may not be related to the old Gresley Rovers.
Coventry Sphinx Pre-Match News
Gresley play arguably their most important game of their short history as they take on league leaders Coventry Sphinx at the Moat Ground tomorrow (3pm) which could go a long way in deciding where the MFA title will land.
Coventry know that they cannot go up to step 4 as their ground does not meet the necessary grading but Gresley manager Gary Norton knows they will want to win the title and will provide a stern test for his side.An end-to-end battle at Coventry back in November saw the Moatmen go two goals up before finding themselves two goals behind but then ended the game with four goals each.
Norton says: "To take the title race down to the last week with three games left is a fantastic achievement.
"After our first game, when we lost to Westfields, and after our first 10 games, when we lost four of them, no-one would've given us a prayer. We've dropped some really stupid points as well on the way but I'm sure most managers would say the same.
"Royce Turville's injury prompted us to get Phil Massingham as Dean Oliver and Richard Hanslow were looking a little tired having to take the responsibility up front. We nearly got Phil earlier in the season but since he's joined us he's scored in every start he's made. We are please he came and he's enjoying it at Gresley."
Norton is hoping to be at the Moat Ground tomorrow but in the stand as he's still recovering from glandular fever. His assistant Martin Rowe will take charge again and Norton has paid tribute to his backroom staff.
"Martin, Steve Titterton and Lee Barrow have all stepped up this season," he said. "In the last few weeks when I've not been well they've been absolutely brilliant and have taken the pressure off me. This whole season has been fantastic for that — with my job changing I was worried, but the guys have stepped up and we wouldn't be where we are now without them."
Popular striker Turville is back in training but tomorrow's game is probably too soon for him, while Gareth Langford has surprised Norton with a rapid recovery after breaking his ankle. He should return in time for Tuesday's visit to Willenhall Town.
Jamie Barrett could return after resting his troublesome groin, but Mickey Lyons serves the final match of his suspension.
Gresley from: Hateley, T Betteridge, Gough, Strzyzewski, Nottingham, Holmes, Spencer, Jepson, Hanslow, Massingham, Goodfellow, A Betteridge, Barrett, Slater, Bryant, Oliver, Turville, Langford.
