Worcester City vs Gresley Rovers
Gresley Reserves travelled to Worcester, a team favoured to take the title.
After a good training session Thursday night, a return to 4-4-2 and some new lads entering the frame, we witnessed an awesome display that gave everyone a feeling we are now getting somewhere.
To add to this there were a number of players on the pitch who could be pushing for first team football.
Gresley began the game playing into a fair head wind. The first half was fairly even, but really Gresley were disappointed not to come in at the break ahead. Even so the feeling was confident that the second half would see us take a win.
Lee Villers, making his debut in goal, looked every bit the part, and installed confidence throughout the team.
The back four were so solid, central defenders Matt Shakespere and Tom Guiney dealt well with some quality opposition.
Adrian Brevitt took control of the left and looked dangerous pushing forward too. Young Chris Mawbey (17) came through a massive learning game which will see him in good stead for the future. A natural left back he slotted in at right back, due to very justified but nevertheless very disappointing, disciplinary action having to be taken. Credit to Vanders on this one.
Andy Dunn worked hard and led his side well throughout and the presence of Zak Jackson was a great sight to see along side him. Jackson made three great runs from midfield, beating a few players but just couldn't find the finish.
Greg Smith and Todd Perry both looked dangerous down the wings, which we used better than we have done for a while, with good line and cross field balls.
Two new lads upfront, Kamar Smithin and Derek Sinclair, both held the ball up brilliantly making life so much easier for the rest of the team. Sinclair's display imparticular was another class and a pleasure to see.
So Gresley came in at the break even, but with everything to play for. What was to follow was total enjoyment for all to see.
Gresley completely dominated the second half, I could count on one hand how many times Worcester entered our half.
After five minutes gone it was a blow to lose Brevitt to an injury, but Mawbey, who was having a difficult time on the right (but coping), moved back to his natural position (left back), and looked far more comfortable. Todd Perry had no problems slotting in at right back and Ryan Yearsley added some pace down the right. The only thing missing was a goal.
This was the case with 25 minutes gone. Worcester's keeper showed a fine display.
It is typical that when you don't score something eventually goes wrong at the other end.
The ball broke kindly three times for a Worcester player from encountering tackles and this saw him finish well with a one on one.
We were all gutted but character was now shown as we came back. Kamar Smithin found the equaliser with a terrific 20 yard curler.
The atmosphere was now electric. Sinclair, who had been constructive in just about everything going forward showed great skill and intelligence to control a long pass, round the keeper, who had no choice but to bundle him over. The keeper had to go and saw a Gresley penalty as the result.
Andy Dunn showed all the character needed of a captain, stepped up and fired home, to give us a 2-1 lead.
With only five minutes left on the clock, Gresley were disallowed their second or third goal that looked fine to everyone else but one.
Somehow Worcester whacked the ball forward and a great solo effort from their forward saw the score back level.
However, the game wasn't over yet, Yearsley was finding plenty of room on the right and Sinclair was picking him out well. It was only right, then, with about two minutes left Sinclair headed home from Yearsley's cross to round off a great display.
The final result was 3-2, a great win which could easily have been far more comfortable. The performance and players gave us nothing but positives to go away with and justified Vanders selection who I know has had a difficult week.
Simon, John and myself will be smiling all week on the back of this one and why not.
Well done lads. Dave Acton, Reserve Team Coach.
