Gresley Rovers vs Atherstone United
Team
1. A Redfern
2. A Foster
3. J Ward
4. T Skinner
5. C Mawbey
6. D Foster
7. J Brockley (A Cliff)
8. B Cooper
9. A Bolt (T Bartram)
10. L Ulyett
11. P Wileman (K Mitchell)
Subs
T Bartram
K Mitchell
A Cliff
R Seagrave (not used)
D Sheahan (not used)
Gresley started the new season in the Midland Youth Floodlit League with a tough home game against a strong and physical Atherstone United team who had been relegated from the Premier Division.
Gresley started well and in the first 15 minutes Atherstone were on the back foot and giving away a lot of free kicks.
The visitors then settled down to play some good football and were rewarded with a fine goal from 25 yards. The rest of the first half belonged to Atherstone, but, although they played a lot of good football in the middle of the field they failed to create any clear-cut chances.
In the second half Gresley came out looking much more compact and did not allow Atherstone to play, with the home keeper not having a shot to save with the back four of A. Foster, D. Foster, C. Mawbey and J.Ward all solid and playing well.
Atherstone continued to give a lot of free kicks away but Gresely unfortunately failed to take advantage. Shots from T. Skinner, B. Cooper and J. Brockley did not hit the target and a late effort from A.Cliff was high and wide.
Gresley worked hard in the second half and probably deserved a point from the game.
This was the first game in the youth league for 9 of the Gresley players and the Youth Team manager Bob Corner was pleased with the effort and commitment from his side with Ben Cooper the man of the match for Gresley.
The difference between the two teams on the night was the Atherstone centre half who was outstanding.
