Gresley Rovers vs Barton United Reserves
Gresley Rovers 1 - 6 Barton United Reserves
Team: Stu Haywood, Danny Gee, Carl Wymark, Kyle Jones, Chris Mawbey, Mark Shorthouse (c), Todd Foster, Mat Holmes, Rich Hanslow, Paul Morton, Chris Smith
Subs: Nath Holmes, Sam Ingley, Andy Morrison
Scorer: Chris Smith
We had a strong team out on paper because the reserves had no game, and with Barton Reserves being in the same position as us, without winning a game this season, I was quite hopeful of a good result! We started off quite
evenly matched, with neither team putting pressure on the opposition's goal. We played some reasonable football, but still a long way off our best, however on the 20 minute mark, we went 1-0 up when some neat passing pulled their
defence out of shape and Chris Smith beat the keeper from about 8 yards out. I was hoping that this would be the break we needed to calm the nerves and give us a platform to build from. However it was not to be because Barton
soon drew level, and went 2-1 up just before half time.
Second half we again collapsed, and let Barton run the show; they won nearly all the little battles all over the pitch. They seemed to have a lot more desire than us, and they scored another four goals and could have easily
added more. As the full time whistle blew, I for one was glad because towards the end a number of players had totally given up.
So today I'm left with many un answered questions, of how some of our players seem to have lost pride and effort in their performances? Yes we are in a higher league, but we showed last season in cup competitions, that we were more than a match for teams in higher leagues. I don't know whether it's a lack of confidence, but too many players seem to be just going through the motions!! In the last few games, every time the opponents break forward they
look like scoring, it looks to me like we don't track runners from midfield, leaving far too much for our defence to deal with on their own. Today many of us lacked effort and desire which is the most disappointing thing. Teams are always going to try that little harder against
us because we play under the "Gresley Rovers" name, yet some of us don't seem to have pride in our club. We need to start to give 100% effort if we want to turn things round, like we did last season!
Mom: Chris Mawbey, given by Barton, he had a good game and held things together at the back.
