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.
Sutton Coldfield Pre-Match News
Gresley embark on the Emirates FA Cup preliminary round (Saturday 3pm) in the hope of going further in the competition than last season when we suffered defeat against Brocton a team 2 leagues below. The test this season will be much tougher in a trip to Sutton Coldfield Town who play on a 3G artificial surface.
Gresley boss Gary Norton will need to check on the fitness of Kane Lee (deadleg) ahead of the tie but also includes Ryan King in his squad following his absence during pre season from a knee injury. Striker Kieran O’Connel should be fit but Norton will check on his troublesome foot problem ahead of kick off. With seven substitutes in the squad assistant manager Carl Slater has been added.Norton watched Sutton in their 1-0 defeat at Corby town on Wednesday night but is more concerned about how his own team perform at Coles lane. “We need to start the game well and then build on that foundation,” said Norton. He added, "we didn’t do that last Saturday although our second half performance was much better than the first and on Tuesday night against Stocksbridge we were not happy with our first half at all despite finding ourselves 2-0 up at one point. We need to start the game well and then go on to put together a solid performance in both halves that’s where our focus is for the next few games.”
On the subject of the 3G artificial surface Norton added, “It’s an obvious talking point ahead of the game and of course Sutton will be more used to it than us. However we won’t be using it as an excuse if we don’t perform on the day. We have to adapt to all kinds of playing surfaces during the season and this will be no different. In some ways I’m hoping the surface might help some of our players but we will see on the day I guess."
In other news Norton confirmed that youngster Jake McIntosh will play on loan at Stapenhill for a few games to help both the Swans out and also Jakes match fitness. On the news he said, “Jake is very much part of our first team squad this season but not the starting line up at the moment. It’s important he gets competitive minutes and Stapenhill have recently enquired about him signing for them on dual forms and having spoken to Jake he’s up for it. It will be more benefit to him than sitting on our bench and with the reserve league season not starting yet it works out for all parties as Stapenhill have a couple of injuries. He will continue to train with us but for the next few weeks at least get some game time with Stapenhill at a decent level.”
