Tamworth vs Gresley Rovers
Although the result did not go in favour of Gresley, the performance was very pleasing considering we were missing players like Chris Mawby, Jak Ward and Johnie Guthrie. I was under no illusion that this was going to be a very difficult fixture, even more so as Tamworth were giving their youth players a feel of playing on The Lamb and I am positive this inspired them.
Gresley were very unlucky not to go in front during the first 20 mins with effort from Brian Barker and Andy Foster thwarted by the outstanding keeper. This was a spell that we dominated and deserved to go ahead handing Tamworth only a couple of counter attacks.
Getting towards the half time interval the home side staged an assault on the Gresley defence and pulling a string of brilliant saves from Tom Lenihan. Central defenders Tom Skinner and Kris Vernon were also outstanding and I think the entire team raised their game because of the inspiring individual play.
The second half started pretty much the same as the first and it wasn't until after 65 mins that Tamworth started to take a grip of the game. Forwards Barker and Lynne gave everything they had and were a handful for their defence but tiredness started to creep in. Stu Lynne made way for Alex Bault, Duane Alexander came off to make way for Nathan Crute and Chris Bennett (injured) departed making way for Adam Cliff.
After a great deal of hard work we were finally breeched in the 80th min from a superb cross from the Tamworth right-winger being headed home from short range. We tried to rally the troops for the equaliser but pushing forward in the last few minuets of the tie saw the opposition hit us on the break and putting the result beyond doubt.
Again I cannot praise the lads enough for their performance, the players felt pretty low immediately after but as we explained to them they could not have done any more.
Unfortunately this result does not help our league position and many people would love to knock us for what we are doing, au-contraire it is our aim to progress players through the ranks here at Gresley and that is exactly what we are doing. Man of the match Brian Barker I am sure will be knocking on the reserve team door very soon along with a couple more.
Thank you for your genuine support,
Dean Amess (asst manager).
