Solihull Borough vs Gresley Rovers
Rovers Reserves narrowly lost out to Solihull Borough in an entertaining Semi
Final 1st leg of the Challenge Trophy at Damson Parkway. Solihull, who are about
to become Champions of the Reserve division were outplayed for most of the first
half as Rovers started on the front foot and they nearly took the lead in the
1st minute when a James Lewsley cross was met by Greg Smiths head but Ford in
the Solihull goal turned the ball round his left post. Rovers were superb in
all areas of the park and had keeper Brad Clarke to thank when he made a smart
save from a Rob Attridge effort. Rovers should have taken the lead on 37 mins
when Danny Lonergan broke into the box and saw his shot parried by Ford into
the path of Carl Timms who should have scored with the net at his mercy but
the midfielder scuffed his shot onto the post and the ball ran across the line
before being cleared.
All the good work of the 1st half was undone in the 47th minute as Solihull
took the lead when Stamford converted from a right wing cross. Gresley pushed
to get back into the game and had a few near misses with good efforts by Earl
Alexander and Mykey Pryce. Solihull took a 2-0 lead in bizzarre fashion on 67mins.
Matt Morans attempted pass cannoned of the legs of his teamate Danny Lonergan
and straight through to Ashad to slot under Brad Clarke.
Skipper Paul Grosse got Rovers back into the tie with a smart nearpost header
from a well worked corner on 72mins and Mykey Pryce had a gilt edge chance to
level late on as he broke clear but the pacy striker fired over the bar.
All in all Manager Gary Norton was pleased with the performance and the scoreline
ensures the game is still wide open for the 2nd leg at the Moat ground.
1. Brad Clarke
2. Lee Withers
3. James Lewesley
4. Paul Grosse (c)
5. Gareth Langford
6. Carl Timms
7. Dan Lonergan
8. Greg Smith
9. Mykey Pryce
10. Matt Moran
11. Earl Alexander
12. Jon Jenkinson
14. Ryan Yearsley
15. Phil Lonergan
Solihull Borough: 2
Gresley Rovers: 1
Solihull scorers: Stamford 47, Ashad 67
Gresley scorer: Grosse 73
