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Proud boss
Story courtesy of Andy Parker - Burton Mail
Richard Gardner
Gresley Rovers boss John McGinlay praised his players' powers of self-control after an ill-tempered Dr Martens Western Division clash with Rugby United at the Moat Ground on Saturday.
After goals from Ritchie Gardner and substitute Mark Dennis had given Rovers a hard-fought 2-1 victory, McGinlay said he was proud of the way his team had refused to react to Rugby's "intimidating" tactics.Said the Moat chief: "Like the majority of games it's been a battle with not a lot of football played. But I was proud of the lads. They tried to intimidate us but our lads have stood up and been counted and didn't react. The officials seemed to be waiting for someone to get a leg broken before they took action - they were poor.
"Simon Baldwin has been blatantly elbowed and the linesman said the player just put an arm across his face. But Simon was excellent in goal again."
McGinlay also singled out strikers Simon Tucker and Kevin Allsop after criticising the pair in midweek, saying: "Especially in the second half their movement was a bit better and we stretched them. I was pleased. We started creating chances and Simon Tucker was unlucky not to get three today."
There was also good news for the Moat boss from Rovers' reserve team game at Hinckley where striker Neil Kitching marked his return from a broken leg, suffered 11 months ago, with two first half goals in a 4-1 win.
Said McGinlay: "He's had a nasty injury and this will have done him the world of good. I can't wait to see him playing again in the first team again."
Rovers' postponed Dr Martens League game against Cirencester Town will be played at the Moat Ground on Tuesday, April 10th (7.45pm).
