Allenton Athletic vs Gresley FC
Gresley faced last year's winners Allenton United Reserves in the Semi-Final of the Derbyshire Divisional Cup played at the Rolls Royce ground due to several postponements due to the recent wet weather.
Gresley started the brightest with early half chances falling to Zibusiso Nyatito. Then, assisted by the wind, Gresley took the lead in the 10th minute. A 25 yard free kick by Liam Kavanagh flew hard and low into the bottom far corner of the net. They then doubled their lead just 4 minutes later with a well taken goal from Jon Lovatt.
The game should have been over when the persistence of Nyatito was rewarded with a goal. Several chances followed to increase the lead but it was Allenton with a rare attack who completed the first half scoring 2 minutes from the break with a free kick which eluded the defence and was slotted in from close range.
It was Allenton's turn to have the aid of the wind in the second half. They started to apply pressure on the Gresley defence and reduced the deficit to get back into the game. Just after the hour mark a clearance by keeper Alex Townsend hit an Allenton striker and bounced nicely to a teammate who had the easy task of running the ball into the empty net.
Gresley responded quickly and soon restored their two goal lead Nyatito scoring his second of the game. They then continued to create a number of good chances and the game was put beyond doubt in the 83rd minute with a superb strike by Niall Worrall and so Gresley have booked their place in the final where they will play Derby Rolls Royce and is scheduled to be played on Wednesday 9th April with the venue to be confirmed.
Gresley: Alex Townsend, Liam Kavanagh (c), Brad Metcalfe, Trafford Pickering, Wayne Harris, Ryan Pearce, Yoann Fournier, Niall Worrall, Zibusiso Nyatito, Jon Lovatt, Connor Ward.
Subs: Adam Halifax, Sam Baxter.
