Gresley Rovers vs Lichfield City
Gresley Rovers 4 - 4 Lichfield City
Scorers: Hanslow 2, Morton, Smith
Team: Stu Haywood, Jack Moylan, Joe Tomlin, Andy Morrison, Kyle Jones, Matt Grice, Todd Foster(c), Sam Ingley, Chris Smith, Rich Hanslow, Paul Morton
We were at home today against Lichfield City, who re-named from Beacon Park, and we knew that they are a good sporting team. We were still without a point in our league, but were looking to build on our improved performances over the last few games.
We started off quite well, but with only 6 minutes gone went 1-0 behind, when Lichfield broke forward and scored. I was beginning to wonder if it was going to be another "one of those days", however we soon drew level when Rich Hanslow slotted home.
So with 10 minutes gone we were 1-1 and this gave us a much needed boost, because we started to play the sort of football that gives the opposition problems. We were breaking forward from mid-field to support the forwards, and their defence struggled to cope with the pace and skill of both Hanslow and Morton. It was soon to pay off, when Hanslow passed a defender and was then fouled in the area, so a penalty was awarded.
Hanslow stepped up and coolly finished to make us 2-1 up, and this was the first time this season we'd been in front in a game. We needed to settle now and keep playing the neat football, and this we did to good effect, Sam Ingley received the ball deep in our half and broke down the right beating two players before crossing to Morton who scored to put us 3-1 up. With 5 minutes to go until half time Hanslow again showed how tricky he is when again their
defence could only foul him to stop him, again in the area, and another penalty was awarded but this time Chris Smith stepped up to make it 4-1.
Second half started and we knew we needed to work our socks off and try to build on what we'd achieved first half, because Lichfield were going to attack if they wanted anything from the game. They did this but we coped
quite well, although they looked a lot more dangerous coming forward, but our defence dealt with it. So with only 18 minutes left we were still 4-1 up through some dogged defending and at time a little bit of luck, however they pulled it back to 4-2 so we were now in a battle. We needed to calm things down and keep the ball, but at times gave it away cheaply, and this cost us as Lichfield grabbed another two to draw level.
In the dying minutes we could have lost, but both Joe Tomlin who was playing at centre half, and Kyle Jones cleared off our line and they also hit the crossbar.
Well today was certainly a game of two halves, we were outstanding in the first, completely out playing Lichfield and could easily have gone in at half time with a bigger lead. However, second half we just lacked that little
composure, and at times gave the ball away too easily, but we worked hard and
our attitude was great. Obviously it's hard to hold on to a lead in any game, but with our recent results, I think the nerves set in a little which is understandable. It's our first point in the league, and although it should have been a win, at least we hug on for the draw. I think the fact that we had no subs didn't help, as we had no "fresh legs" to put on when we tired, which hurts because if players cant make it I'd at least expect them to let me
know!! We can take a lot from today though, best performance so far, and we're definitely going in the right direction and we should learn from today.
MOM: Kyle Jones, much deserved as always worked his socks off and at times was defending everywhere, and as always so consistent. WELL DONE keep it up mate.
