Match Photos
Gresley Rovers vs Hinckley United
Gresley Rovers 1 v 0 Hinckley United
Scorer: Scott Berriman.
Team from: Pemberton, Dunn, Harrison, Gadsby, Grosse, Heer, Draycott, Ward, Guthrie, Yearsley, Berriman, Jarvis, Merry, Colley.
It was nice to get back to a league fixture and concentrate on moving our reserve side into a more respectful and appropriate position.
Hinckley was probably going to be our toughest test so far as only a few weeks ago they were sitting top of the table having only lost one game. They had dropped a few places but only because of a lack of league fixtures. On top of this we understand they were able to field a few first teamers.
Gresley were able to welcome back Paul Grosse. With the loss of Joe Miller and Chris Mawbey out injured for a few weeks as well as Danny Cox travelling more often or not with the first team, we needed to find a defender quickly. Paul is ideal. He has the experience to help develop the young lads and has Gresley in his heart.
Gresley stayed with their 4-4-2 formation and again as with most teams in this league came against Hinckley with a 3-5-2. However, the Gresley centre midfield partnership of Heer and Draycott is looking really good and they would soon take command of their positions.
Hinckley opened the brighter, but Gresley's defence soaked up the first fifteen minutes and as spoke about Gresley changed the course of the game thereafter. Hinckley's defence too was fairly solid and both teams played some nice football in order to try and break each other down. Gresley I feel had a couple of the better chances, in particular when Dunn whipped in a couple of great crosses that just needed a touch to give us the lead.
At half time we discussed the midfield situation, ie, the 3 v 2 and together sorted the problem with something the players felt more comfortable with. It would pay dividends as in the second half I felt Gresley were the better side and it was only the strength of Hinckley's defence that kept the scores level.
Gresley's defence also was in excellent form, Grosse had a great debut and as thought brought the much needed experience. Dunn looked more comfortable with the right back position and along with others has shown the team spirit we have developed by playing out of position for the good of the team rather than himself. Gadsby as ever does his job perfectly and Harrison again looked outstanding. This allowed Gresley to attack with plenty of reassurance.
Heer was a mountain in the midfield and Draycott continues to impress as his match fitness returns. Guthrie and Ward always cause problems from wide positions and today was no exception. Yearsley and Berriman had a tough time upfront, but both worked extremely hard.
With about twenty minutes gone, Gresley keeper Pemberton kicked forward which was flicked on and Berriman's pace got him between the advancing keeper and defender to finish with a nice flick of the outside of the foot. Gresley had the lead and really never looked like losing it. Pembo was again in fine form, which just added to an already strong defence.
Gresley brought on Colley to the right for Guthrie and Jarvis to the left for Ward. Merry came on later for the injured Berriman.
So the game ended with Gresley recording their third clean sheet on the run, a very valuable and well earned three points against quality opposition, as well as one of their most professional performances to date. All-round, very pleased.
