The Dart 3 - 5 Gresley Rovers
Team: Tom Allan(c), Danny Gee, Tom Gregory, Alex Smith, Todd Foster, Tom Fletcher, Rich Hanslow, Matt Holmes, Chris Smith, Paul Morton, Sam Ingley.
Subs: Andy Morrison, Mark Shorthouse.
Scorers: Foster 2, Hanslow 2, Fletcher
Played The Dart today, which I knew was going to be a great test for us, with them winning the league above us last season. Must say a special thanks to Graham for getting a pitch sorted after ours was unavailable, with only eight hours notice.
We were without no fewer than five players due to various reasons, which proved the task in hand, even more daunting! However, as shown many times last season, we have great strength in depth so I wasn't too concerned.
We went with three at the back, mainly due to the fact that we only had three proven defenders, they being Gee, Alex Smith and the welcome return of Gregory. This gave us a strong midfield of Foster, Fletcher, Hanslow, Chris Smith and Holmes, leaving Morton and Ingley up front.
The game started, and to be honest,for the first 20 minutes we were out battled and struggling to match them.
On 22 minutes they went 1-0 up and this, as we saw many times last season, triggered us to start playing the sort of football, that when we do, not many teams can match. We started to create chances and drew level when a great freekick from Alex Smith found Chris Smith who in turn slotted the ball to Hanslow's feet and 1-1 it stayed until half time.
We started the second half with more of the same and went 2-1 up when Foster sprung the off side and slotted in. Hanslow made it 3-1 and we rode some intense pressure and eventually conceded to make it 3-2. Fletcher was at hand to collect the pieces, after their keeper fumbled, to make it 4-2 and Foster again broke their back line to make it 5-2. Allan made two or three great saves and in the last two minutes they pulled it back to 5-3.
Today was a good test for us, and as last season, we showed that when we play sharp, passing football we can match and beat any team around. We have the ability, pace and desire to work for each other and cause the opposition problems! We've added only a few new members to the squad in Sam and Andy and today, as in the week, they've showed to be great assets for the team.
So lets take this into our next game well done all 13 of you today.
