Dudley Sports vs Gresley Rovers
Although three points were taken at Dudley it was far from the perfect performance especially as we were due to face top of the league Gornel at home in our next fixture. Pitch conditions were horrendous and flood lights that never reached a corner of the pitch it was never going to be a game of quality football, but commitment and attitude should come second nature to the lads who have turned the table on it head over recent weeks.
The first goal was very illusive with Dudley sitting very deep and putting men behind the ball very early, as in recent weeks chances were created but not clear cut and the longer it went on Dudley grew in confidence.
Central defender Duane Alexander struck first in a goalmouth scramble that fell kindly.
For some reason we all switched off and Dudley took full control of the game, we were nobodies defending on the back foot with no effort or commitment. Dudley hit back with a well-worked move down the right leaving both forwards unmarked and an easy finish, we just wanted the half time whistle to blow so we could gather ourselves and sort out the problems.
Changes were made at the back and a few words of encouragement were in order, the players went out lifted again and ready to start afresh.
As I said earlier the pitch was not for playing quality football on and the long balls into the channels worked Brian Barker well and caused the back four of Dudley a few problems.
Unexpectedly it was another defender who got the second goal from a corner when Chris Mawby made a late run to the far post to volley from close range.
Joe Brockley and Alex Bolt were introduced in the second half and both players made a good account for themselves. It was Bolt though who did the damage scoring the third and seemingly putting Dudley to bed, but it was not to be and with five left on the watch the pulled another goal back from a scrappy goal-mouth tangle.
As you could imagine the remaining seconds seemed to be never ending with players flying forward, we withered the final storm and came away with 3 points.
Key performances went to man of the match Duane Alexander, Johnie Guthrie, Tom Skinner, Chris Mawby and Alex Bolt. Lets make sure we don't put out that sort of performance at home next week.
Dean Amess (asst manager)
