Coton Green vs Gresley FC
Coton Green 0 - 2 Gresley FC
Gresley Reserves returned to league action with a trip to Tamworth based Coton Green. They returned with all three points after solid performance with a squad that included a 16 year old and four 17 year olds.
Six changes were made to the side that overcame Melbourne Dynamo in the Derbyshire Divisional Cup Semi-Final, Joe Bale came in at center half, Connor Ward came in at left back, Josh Garland and Ryan King went into midfield, Sam Hammerton and James Shakespeare started upfront.
After a bright few opening minutes from the hosts buoyed by last week's 6-0 away win at Tipton Town, Gresley got on top the game and ball and created several half chances mainly by the front four of Hammerton, Lee, Shakespeare and King.
A few long range shots from both sides resulted in the tame handling practice for both keepers or the ball flying high and wide.
The opening goal came on 17 minutes when a move involving Shakespeare and King on the left channel resulted in a blocked shot with the resulting ball falling to Sam Hammerton who spun and instinctively found the far bottom corner.
Five or so minutes Gresley nearly doubled the lead when Ryan King brilliantly beat three or four defenders inside the box but his shot was straight at the Coton keeper.
With the score still at 1-0 after break, Gresley's control of the game continued much to the hard work of the back line and holding midfielders.
Gresley did eventually get their second goal when substitute Harry Lansdowne's long throw from the right was headed on by Harry Hughes and then headed further by a home defender and Hammerton nodded home from close range.
Coton Green then forced two great saves from young Byron Musgrove, first he tipped onto the bar from a swerving long range effort and then, plunging low down to his left, saved from close range.
Gresley had a few more chances to extend their lead with the busy Kane Lee forcing a decent save and Ryan King doing the same on two occasions.
The final few minutes saw the home side awarded a penalty, when a home striker ran into James Hemingway,who knew nothing about it, the following spot kick was dragged wide, meaning Gresley went home with only their third clean sheet of the season.
Gresley Goals: Hammerton 17 mins, 60 mins
1. Byron Musgrove
2. Harry Hughes
3. Connor Ward
4. Luke Clamp (C)
5. James Hemingway
6. Joe Bale
7. Ryan King
8. Josh Garland
9. Kane Lee
10. Sam Hammerton
11. James Shakespeare
SUBS:
12. Joe Tomlin (for 8 - 86 mins)
14. Aaron Harvey (for 10 - 75 mins)
15. Harry Lansdowne (for 11 - 46 mins)
16. Zack Hill (Not Used)
