Boldmere St Michael's vs Gresley Rovers
Gresley started the game without Ryan Yearsley, injured in Wednesday's victory over Newhall, but saw the return of Suki Heer in midfield.
Gresley started brightly and dominated the first half hour with some great passing play.Boldmere hardly ventured out of their own half as the midfield pressed on and kept the opposition from stringing any passes together. A succession of chances from Williams, Rowell and Smith went begging and Boldmere came back into the game. Gresley were fortunate not to go behind shortly before half time, Laurence Kennyson pulled off a fine serve following a corner from the right.
H/T 0-0.
Gresley started well, but failed to capitilise and the second half saw few clear cut chances. With fifteen minutes to go Gresley looked like they were going to regret taking advantage of their fist half domination when a sloppy goal was conceded. An innocuous free kick floated in from the left went passed numerous attackers and defenders and nestled in the far corner, beating the unsighted Kennyson.
Changes were made, switching back to 4/5/1 Jordan Blair was introduced on the left and soon had an impact on the game. A Dave Williams cross from the right wing reached Jordan 6 yards out and he netted with the aid of a deflection. The game then became highly charged as both sides stepped up a gear. This blew over into an unsavoury incident with a couple of minutes to go, which lead to a five minute stoppage as the Referee struggled to maintain control. No Players were cautioned as the referee failed to spot the offence, but the final minutes remained tense. Jordan Blair almost won the game with the final kick of the match, one on one with the keeper; the ball bent just the wrong side of the post from 15 yards. F/T 1-1.
A little disappointing not to win this one with all the possession and chance in the first half, However the point leaves Gresley top of the group with one game to play, the step to the semis firmly in our hands so we have to be pleased with that.
My stint running the team has come to an end as I go on holiday this week and Dave Acton returns for the game on 5/11. I would like to sincerely thank all the players for their support, help and efforts in the last two games. They are a great bunch of talented lads and have a great team spirit and work ethic. With continued effort they will challenge any opposition this season and hopefully reap the rewards that they deserve
Steve Thorpe
Team: Kennyson, Gadsby, Cox(c), Mawbey, Grosse, Smith, Williams, Heer, Hall, Rowell, Miller Subs: Blair, Farrell, Macedo, Dunn
