Match Photos
Gresley Rovers vs Halesowen Town
Gresley Rovers 0 - 3 Halesowen Town
Team: Tom Allan, Alex Smith, Danny Gee, Lewis Gadsby(c), Chris Mawbey, Matt Grice, Matt Holmes, Todd Foster, Tom Fletcher, Pat Rowell, Chris Smith.
Subs: Danny Sharpe, Sam Ingley, Nath Holmes, Andy Morrison.
We haven't had the best of starts his season, and I was without any first team squad, and there were a lot of other players unavailable for various reasons. So most of Friday was spent making phone calls, trying to get a team together, as anyone who has run a team knows how frustrating this can be. However, I managed to get a good squad together, mainly from the youth team, so with one 16-year-old nine 17 year olds and the oldest player being 19 we could say that we had a young inexperienced side. This was going to be a big ask from the side, but knowing the players I'd chose, I knew they would give their all.
So the game started and being honest we didn't look too bad, we were competing quite well, and the defence looked more like a unit than in previous games. I had decided to put Pat Rowell up front on his own, leaving five in midfield to try to stifle their attacks, and this worked quite well.
At times, as expected, we were under pressure but through some dogged defending we broke their attacks down to half chances. However, with 20 minutes gone Halesowen took the lead, the linesman flagged for offside, but was overruled
by the referee so the goal stood. This was now going to be a great test of our character, and we showed as always, that we still believe and never let our heads drop. We created a couple of chances on the break, and some great challenges from our defence kept it at 1-0 going in for half time.
Second half started much the same as the first, we worked hard and closed players down well, and were still in the game but lacked that little bit of composure. We then went 2-0 down when they broke free and soon afterwards they made it 3-0. We then swapped Chris Smith for Sam Ingley and Todd foster for Nath Holmes,basically to give us some fresh legs because we looked a little tired. With 15 minutes left, Chris Mawbey got cramp, so we brought on Danny Sharpe and went three at the back.
So reflecting on the game, with all things considered, I think that we lack a little bit of composure when we've got the ball but with the age of the team this is only to be expected. Every player can be proud of the fact that they gave their all, kept their discipline and never let their heads drop.
Although the result went against us, I think 3-0 flattered Halesowen a little, but again I honestly believe that it shows just how good a squad of young local talent we have. Yes the team needs a couple of "old heads" just to calm things and organise at times, but I think that given time the squad we've got can and will turn defeats into wins. With a win the confidence will grow and I believe with this things will start to take shape and turn them into a good young reserve side. LETS KEEP BELEIVING.
