Bedworth United vs Gresley Rovers
The Reserves returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory over Bedworth United in the ICIS Midland Combination Reserve Division.
Mark Shiels was back in action between the sticks. Nathan Tate was absent from the line-up for the 1st time this season after his 1st team call-up whilst James Parkinson came into the side and Carl Slater continued his comeback from a virus in midfield. Manager Gary Norton was on the bench again as the squad was stretched due to 1st team starts for Tate, Moran and Timms.
Rovers started the game well and took the lead after 6 minutes when Greg Smith's fine cross was turned home by Earl Alexander at the near post. A long ball from James Parkinson found Jon Jenkinson in space but Adam Hancock was quick to react in the Bedworth goal.
Jenkinson was causing all sorts of problems playing in the hole behind the front two and it was he who set up the next couple of chances for Rovers but both were spurned by Ryan Yearsley and Greg Smith. Mickey Sandar's cross shot almost dropped in the far corner on 29 minutes but Hancock tipped over the bar at the last minute. Rovers went 2 up on 32 minutes when Ryan Yearsley converted his 15th goal of the season, heading home from Alexender's cross. HT 2-0
Gresley were as bad in the 2nd half as they were good in the first and didn't look like the same side as Bedworth came out fighting. Bedworth pressure told in the 63rd minute when they made it 2-1 when Lee Moore headed past Mark Shiels in the Rovers goal. Sheils made further fine saves to deny Bedworth a share of the spoils as Gresley hung on to take all 3 points
1. Mark Sheils
2. John Jenkinson
3. Dave Roberts
4. Paul Grosse
5. James Parkinson
6. Greg Smith
7. Mickey Sandar (c)
8. Carl Slater
9. Ryan Yearsley (1)
10. Mykey Pryce
11. Earl Alexander (1)
12. Mickey Alexander
14. Matt Brown
15 Gary Norton
