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Rovers record run is ruined
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers manager Frank Northwood refused to ring the alarm bells last night after his team’s first Banks’s League defeat of the season.
Rovers were well beaten at the Moat Ground by title rivals Halesowen Harriers but a disappointed Northwood said: “It’s not a disaster. That’s our first defeat in 15 games this season – now we’ve got to go another 15 without losing.”Rovers suffered a pre-match blow when Karl Austin declared himself unavailable and stand-in Bob Aston was at fault when Harriers hat-trick hero Paul Waddington scored within a minute of Martin Devaney’s 35th-minute opener for Gresley.
Two second half goals by Waddington – the second from the penalty spot after defender Ray Skeemer had handled – settled the issue and left Northwood complaining: “Too many of our players had an off night. They showed more commitment, while we didn’t string two passes together all night. We never closed them down in the middle of the park and were made to suffer the consequences. But one game doesn’t make a season. Halesowen are one of the best side in the league.”
