Match Photos
Gresley Rovers vs Barwell
Saturday saw the reserves entertain fourth place Barwell in the Challenge Cup at the Moat.
There were several changes to the squad from previous weeks due to injuries, illness and work commitments. Youth Team players Alex Bolt and Johnny Guthrie enjoyed their first inclusion in the reserve team squad, and there was a welcome return to the squad for another youth team player Jack Ward.
The game started lively with Rovers taking the game to their visitors, unfortunately on 5 minutes Barwell won a free kick at the edge of the Rovers box, which was flicked into the top corner, leaving Pemberton with no chance, 0-1.
Rovers fought back valiantly and gained their just reward when the inform Barker, starting in his own half ran past several of the opposition in a darting run, which he capped off with a neat clinical finish, the half finished 1-1.
The second half started with Rovers on top and dominating and looking to add to the scoreline. Then disaster, Rovers conceded the softest of goals. As Barwell lumped a hopeful ball forward for their forward to chase it appeared the home side had a covering player in place, until he was brushed aside and robbed of the ball, resulting in a side foot finish for the Barwell striker, 1-2.
Shortly after Barwell's 2nd goal Ward replaced Waite and Guthrie replaced J.Brown.
Both subs were instantly involved and were causing the visitors all kinds of trouble. Throughout the game the Reserves showed great fighting character and again came back at Barwell, with attack after attack, until a great piece of individual skill by Bolt out on the left led to him delivering a quality cross, which substitute Ward met with a fine header, 2-2.
The Rovers were totally dominating the game now and took the lead for the first time when a scramble in the visitors' box led to the ball dropping to Draycott, who gladly fired home from 8 yards, 3-2.
Rovers defence was absolutely solid now with captain Sandar and vice captain Cox marshalling the back line with great ease, and playing the ball round at the back with great confidence, none more so than the inspirational Mawbey, who enjoyed his best game in a reserves shirt.
The midfield were buzzing, with Miller controlling and Tyres pulling out all the tricks, Draycott and Barker were rampant and Guthrie was making the game look easy.
Bolt and Ward looked dangerous every time they got the ball and he got his reward for all his hard work with a neat finish after yet another scramble late on, 4-2.
Gresley should have added several more goals before the end, but all in all it was a great performance by all of the players, the lads definitely showed great 'bouncebackabilty' and have now set the standard for the future. The most pleasing aspect of Saturday's victory was the input and quality that was shown by our youth team players, they indeed put in performances above and beyond their tender years. Their performances were a great testimony to Bob Corner and his staff and all the hard work they have put in.
Next week see's Gresley visit Rushall Olympic. The benchmark has been set, so here's to more of the same.
Final score: Gresley Rovers 4 - 2 Barwell
1. Pemberton
2. Sandar (capt)
3. Cox
4. Mawbey (manager's man of the match)
5. Miller
6. Barker
7. Draycott
8. Tyres
9. J.Brown
10. Waite
11. Bolt
12. Guthrie
13. Ward
Simon Van-de-Broucke
Reserve Team Manager
