Newhall United Reserves vs Gresley Rovers
Newhall Utd Res 0 - 2 Gresley Rovers Youth
Scorers: Todd Foster, Ian Parker
Team: Stu Haywood, Jack Moylan, Carl Wymark, Joe Tomlin, Alex Peplow, Danny Gee, Luke Taylor, Sam Worth, Matt Grice, Todd Foster, Paul Hollis
Sub: Ian Parker
We had our last league game, played at the Old Hall due to Newhall's pitch being unavailable, and had a depleted squad due to numerous reasons. However Martin and myself were still confident, because although we had a few missing, we had a very strong team.
So on a warm sunny day the game got underway, and we looked a lot more relaxed than the previous week. We had that little more composure on the ball, and were passing it around quite nicely. We were for most of the first half camped in Newhall's half and had numerous goal scoring chances. Jack Moylan made a few runs down the right and was unlucky when twice his crosses were blocked. Danny Gee forced a great save from their keeper from a shot outside
the area, and Hollis and Foster were linking well up front.
At the back our defence coped with relative ease, and both Wymark and Tomlin played the ball out with confidence. As half time came though we hadn't turned any chances into goals but I was pleased with our performance.
At half time, we spoke about being patient and also being aware that we kept switched on and not get caught out by a Newhall break.
For the first 10 minutes of the second half, Newhall put pressure on our defence, and we were caught a little "flat footed" leaving Haywood to make a couple of good saves. This is what I feared, because we'd had so much of the
play first half, I was concerned that we may become "over confident" (which is surprising considering our results)
We then bought on Parker for Wymark, dropping Gee into the back four, and putting Parker into centre midfield along side Taylor. We got back into our passing game and it was Parker who opened the score with a left footed strike. It was no more than we deserved, and Foster soon added another to settle the nerves. We looked strong in every department, and Grice hit the crossbar and the tireless working of Hollis nearly reaped rewards when he beat the keeper but the angle was too acute forcing into the side netting.
What happened next was a little bizarre, Foster who'd came to the side line for a drink, received the ball and scored. Newhall appealed, the ref asked me if he was off the pitch? I said: "he came out the corner of my eye" so the ref disallowed the goal and booked him??
So today we've seen our only win of a hard season, it was no more than we deserved, but realistically we should of won by more. That is not taking anything away from the team because I was pleased with the performance and a
clean sheet. Every player today was a credit because we played neat football on the floor carving many, many chances.
We've improved throughout this season and we'll aim to keep up the standards that Martin and me are achieving. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you ALL for your commitment, attitude and support this season YOU ARE ALL A CREDIT TO GRESLEY ROVERS and it has been a great pleasure for me and Martin to have you playing for us. I (and I'm sure Martin feels the same) am already looking forward to next season; we still have a couple of friendlies so keep it going lads and WELL DONE everyone this season.
Mom: Paul Hollis, your overall contribution has been outstanding and your work rate is awsome, so well done Paul keep the belief going mate.
