Hinckley United vs Gresley Rovers
Gresley Reserves vs. Hinckley United
Following a good mid week performance against Little Eaton, the Reserves travelled to Hinckley to face an in-form side currently riding high second place in the table.
With a somewhat altered line up and the introduction of three new trialists to the Gresley side, the formation was always going to need to be flexible in order to allow all the lads a run out, something Simon is keen to see happen this season.
New boy Bruce Llwando started up front with Ryan Yearsley and began early doors to trouble the back line with their quick feet and pace. The two frontmen set precedence early on for chasing, hassling and probing at the back four.
The Gresley back line had a little more to do today than mid-week as was to be expected against a side that had scored 12 goals in 6 games.
Shakespeare and Grosse controlled the back line well with Dave Roberts and willing runner Nathan Tate, ever poised for a skirmish into the opponents half.
The midfield pairing of Dunn and Kidson battled hard throughout the game, closing the Hinckley play early and keeping their runners closely marked. Supported on the wings by Alexander and youngster Matt Brown, the mid field four showed great shape and discipline to try and work the ball to the front two’s feet and put in some intelligent attacking moves down the flanks.
It was Matt Brown who was brought down in the box after a clever jink and run after 15 minutes gone.
Ownership of the kick was taken by Yearsley, as would be expected from a goal-hungry striker showing good form. With great power and precision Ryan put Gresley 1 up with a top corner strike leaving the keeper stranded.
This proved to be the only real chance of the first half for either side so 1 – 0 up at half time was a fair reflection on play.
At half time we focused on keeping disciplined and holding our shape as we knew for the first 10 minutes, Hinckley would throw everything at us to try and get back into the game quickly. It’s particularly pleasing to say we absorbed the pressure early on, settled quickly and began to stroke the ball around.
Earl Alexander had the best chance of the second half on 20 minutes gone following a tremendous run and shot forcing a determined save from the keeper. Unfortunately Llwando couldn’t quite wrap his foot around the ball to put it in the net but still a promising move.
Three changes were made in the second half with Kidson coming off with a slight knock to his back. The promising Tom Bartram replaced Yearsley who now filled in next to Dunn in the centre of mid-field.
Replacing Matt Brown on the right wing, trialist Gavin Fox made his first appearance for Gresley and showed good promise.
Alexander made way for the last 15 minutes for another trialist, Chris Blackshield who also showed good things out on the wing.
The most important aspect of today’s game was the attitude shown by all the players, both the established boys and also the new comers. It is a difficult balance in the Reserves between playing for every win and ensuring that other functions of the side are fulfilled, be it young blood getting the opportunity to gain valuable experience, trialists given a fair opportunity to show what they can do or First Teamers having somewhere they can keep much needed match-fitness. Today we played a good side and worked hard for a good result, we also played 14 lads over the course of the game, which is great for the prospects of the side… Well-done lads.
Here’s to three points against Barwell on Wednesday night.
Johnny Phillips
Reserve Team Assistant Manager
