Gresley Rovers vs Willenhall Town
A total turn around on lady luck comparing our last fixture, although decisions from officials seemed to go against us yet again.
Willenhall were a very skilful side with plenty of individual players causing discomfort in some areas, although rarely in and around the box. They played the same formation as us and it seemed to be very tight in the middle with the away team working the wide areas better than we were early on.
Strikers Stu Lynne and Brian Barker had a hard time finding the ball due to long range passing as we struggled to get through the midfield, both teams had the same idea and Brian Barker was used to try and work the channels so the he could see more of the ball and cut inside to run at the opposition. This worked to an extent, as Lynne stayed more central with his back to goal.
Gresley took the lead with a simple move involving Ben Calliwelly and Brian Barker, Ben picked up the ball in midfield from Leon Dolman who then turned and made ground, seeing barker cut in from the left called for a one two and Barker dinked in a inch perfect pass to allow Ben to open up his account for Gresley after Signing from Burton Albion.
We did not have it all our own way following the goal and Tom Lenihan pulled off a couple of tremendous close range saves along with Mawby saving on the line.
Alex Bolt came on for Lynne and Rich Seagrave for Guthrie, Bolt caused problems with his pace and put in a few telling crosses, but it was Brian Barker cutting in from the left into the box who created the second goal, going round two players before shooting and having his shot cleared off the line, Alex Bolt drilled it back into the net.
A fair performance all round with some good shows from Calliwelly, Skinner and man of the match to debutant Jack Coulson, Jack at only 15 years played at the heart of the defence and put in a solid performance, this looks like another player for the future at Gresley.
Well done to Bob Corner, manager, for keeping the new players coming in and improving the team, from a team struggling at the foot of the table to top 4 and beating top teams along the way shows great attitude and commitment to all involved.
Thanks again this week to the staff up at Gresley.
Dean Amess (asst manager).
