Gresley Rovers vs Oadby Town
Gresley Rovers Reserves 0 - 1 Oadby Town Reserves
Despite having ten men for 35 minutes, it was Oadby Town who came out on top at a damp moat ground. Neither team came into the game in any form, with Rovers on the back of a seven game losing streak.
A scrappy opening 20 minutes, short on quality matched the weather. Driving rain made conditions poor under foot. On 21 minutes a block by Lloyd Hutchins saved Gresley after an Oadby forward got free in the area. Gresley's first opening came on 25. Richard Hanslow received the ball on half before running down the left wing, cutting inside before shooting wide.
Good work by Craig Tucker down the left found Craig Hanson free in the box, his chip nearly deceived the keeper, who made a good save before the on-rushing Hanslow. With both sides cancelling each other out, chances were at a premium; Adam Barradell's shot blocked from the edge of the area. Resolute defending from Tom Astle, Martin Rowntree, and Lloyd Hutchins kept Oadby to half chances.
A poor first half was brought to an end with neither side in the ascendancy. Rovers' only change at half time was Lee Fell replacing Tom Betteridge on the right hand side of midfield.
The second half started much like the first ended. Hanslow had a turn and shot saved. On 50 minutes the ineffective Oadby forward was yellow carded for needlessly back chatting to the referee. On another day the colourful language would have warranted a sending off. The referee did not have long to wait though before producing the red. A petty foul by the Oadby forward produced a second yellow in just 2 minutes, leaving his team mates with a uphill battle.
Despite a man advantage Rovers produced very little in the way of clear-cut chances. On the hour mark Matt Brown was lucky to stay on the field after a rash late challenge in the middle of the park. Captain Brown got away with just a caution. Willing running from Chris Nicholls released Hanson. His cross found Hanslow whose shot was blocked by the Oadby defence.
Oadby Towns defence looked comfortable at holding the Moatmen's attacks, and were probably producing the better chances. Stuart Haywood produced a smart save from a 25-yard free kick. Jason Carlisle and Paul Hollis were brought into the game on 67 minutes with manager Dave Flearly looking for an elusive goal.
With the game entering the final 10 minutes, Oadby produced the first clear chance of the second half. Free in the area Town's forward's cross goal strike was palmed away for a corner by Haywood. The resulting short corner found Joe Clayton on his own in the 6 yard box, with the easy job of ramming the ball home. Just two minutes later Oadby hit the post from a tight angle as they looked to secure an away win.
Rovers were unable to find a way through the Oadby defence. Rowntree's teasing free kick eluded everyone. Despite being down to ten men, Oadby eased through the rest of the game, and returned to Leicestershire with the three points. Rovers will be looking for an improved performance against Coleshill Town on the 15th of January in their next game at the Moat ground.
Scorer: Claton 83 (Oadby)
Gresley Rovers: Stuart Haywood, Tom Astle, Adam Barradell, Martin Rowntree, Lloyd Hutchings, Matt Brown (c) (Jason Carlisle 67), Craig Tucker, Chris Nicholls, Craig Hanson (Paul Hollis 67), Richard Hanslow, Tom Betteridge (Lee Fell 45).
Oadby Town: Scott Washington, Sam Hyatt, Marlon Byron, Liam Conningham, Joe Clayton, Danny Henton, Callum Harris, Leon Cole (Ezra Knight 73), Linnett, Dennis Tomensitis, Gomez
Subs: Mitish Ranatt, Chris Coleman, Mark Hartlett
