Red Lion Horninglow vs Gresley Rovers
Red Lion Horninglow 4 - 3 Gresley Rovers
Team: Stu Haywood, Carl Wymark, Kyle Jones, Tom Gregory, Mark Shorthouse(c), Nath Holmes, Todd Foster, Matt Grice, Rich Hanslow, Paul Morton, Sam Ingley
Sub: Andy Morrison
Scorers: Hanslow, Morton, Ingley
It was our first game in The Pedigree League, and we had to change the fixture to away due to our pitch at the Old Hall not being available, so thanks to Mark from the Red Lion for agreeing for the swap. We were without no fewer than five players from last season due to them moving up to the reserves. However, it just shows why we need a large squad, and also that we have strength in depth, because we was still able to field a strong team.
We started off with three at the back, which left us a strong midfield of five with two forwards, and it took us a little time to settle which I expected due to a number of new players we have. We went 1-0 down on seven minutes and with only 20 minutes gone were 2-0 down. Things started to look better though, as we started competing more in midfield, but being honest the Red Lion always looked in control and defended well. We didn't seem to be finding the sort of passing that we can and at times resorted to "the long ball" instead of feeding the forwards balls to feet. When we did though, we created problems, which was shown when Rich Hanslow hit a cracking shot from 18 yards out to make it 2-1 at the break.
We started the second half, replacing the injured Carl Wymark with Andy Morrison, putting Mark Shorthouse at the back and dropping Todd Foster into centre midfield. Within 5 minutes we drew level when Paul Morton scored after some neat passing so we were back in the game. The next goal was going to be important, and unfortunately, they broke forward to make it 3-2. Stu Haywood made two or three point blank saves to keep us in it before they made it 4-2. Our heads never dropped however and we pulled it back to 4-3 and although we pushed forward in numbers we couldn't find the much needed goal, so as the whistle blew, we had lost our first game.
Today the result wasn't what we wanted, but I think we can take many positives from the game, and I know we can bounce back. I thought the new members of the squad fitted in very well and the fact that we worked for each other and never gave up was good. The game was played in the right spirit from both teams, making it an easy game for the referee and from a neutral's point of view, was good to watch. Well done let's keep working and believing, and I'm sure we can show how much we've progressed.
Mom: Rich Hanslow, great goal ran at people and showed how versatile he is.
