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Maddocks is back in favour
Story courtesy of
Gresley boss Frank Northwood admitted this week: “It was a mistake to sack my top scorer.”
Fortunately, Northwood was in a good position to reflect on his self-confessed error. For he had already restored beanpole centre forward Andy Maddocks to the Moat Ground fold and been repaid with three goals in two games – including a brace to despatch champions Blakenall to their first defeat of the season.Maddocks, the former Atherstone leader who joined Rovers midway through the last season, had earlier been shown the door despite scoring regularly in the opening games of the new term.
Northwood was unhappy with Maddocks’ form and considered the striker surplus to requirements following the return of last season’s top goal-getter, Paul Acklam, from suspension.
But Northwood was forced to issue an SOS call for a striker after Acklam broke a wrist in a work accident.
That was the cue for Maddocks’ restoration to the front line for last week’s visit of Oldbury and made a goalscoring return in the 4-1 win, and followed an encouraging show with his match-winning brace at Blakenall.
Northwood said last night: “On this occasion, Frank was wrong. But I’ve spoken to Andy and asked him to stay. He’s highly delighted.”
He added: “Being told he wasn’t wanted gave him the impetus he needed and now he’s out to prove a point. One of his goals at Blakenall was a super effort. When he came off with a groin strain we missed his presence up front.”
The Northwood bank balance is £5 to the good – thanks to in-form title rivals Rocester.
Revealed the Rovers’ boss: “I had a bet with Blakenall boss Tommy Coakley that his team would lose at Rocester after we beat them last Saturday. They were without Paul Knox who’s an important player for them and sure enough they got turned over.
“With our not having a game on Saturday, Blakenall are our next opposition when they come to Gresley on Tuesday. I’m sure they’ll be going flat out to make up for that defeat on Saturday but I’ve got to be optimistic about playing anyone at the moment. With all the work and improvements that are going on at the moment the players are given a lift before they even start to play. That’s a credit to everyone at the club.”
