The Dart vs Gresley Rovers
The Dart 2 - 4 Gresley Rovers
Scorers: Morton 2, Worth, Gregory
Team: Ian Parker, Danny Gee, Joe Tomlin, Rich Foster, Dave Hatfield (c), Joe Swift, Josh Gregory, Luke Taylor, Sam Worth, Paul Morton, Chris Smith
Subs: Nige Brewin, Jamie Stevens, Sean Rudge, Dan Woodings, Tom Fletcher
We travelled away today, to play The Dart, and after last weeks disappointment we were looking to bounce back. I once again had the "headache" of squad selection, because we are still introducing quality players who train week in week out. This week we'd introduced Jamie Stevens into the squad again, with the idea of giving him some deserved "pitch time".
We started off reasonable, but lacked a little confidence early on, probably due to last week. As we settled down though we started to get our passing going, and soon played the ball around with good composure. To The Dart's credit they were doing the same, but I knew that our fitness would be an asset.
Our midfield duo of Josh Gregory and Luke Taylor, were showing the passion and work rate to out battle our opposition. We had a few chances, but nothing too threatening, however from an absolute sublime ball Gregory played in Sam Worth and his finish was worthy of the lead. So 1-0 up, with 25 minutes gone, we needed to keep up the pressure and we did this by working as a team.
The Dart though were still creating chances, but on the whole, we stood strong. With 10 minutes until half time though, we gifted them a goal, which obviously gave them belief. They could have taken the lead, when a thundering free kick came back off our post.
Half time speech, was that we needed to continue as we were, and I believed that they would tire.
With only 4 minutes of the second half gone, Worth's quality cross was superbly converted by Paul Morton to take us 2-1 up. This was no more than we (and Morton) deserved, but we needed to keep our focus as The Dart tried to talk us out of things.
Chris Smith got down the left, and another great cross was again met by Morton to make it 3-1. We then made our first substitution, replacing Smith for Nigel Brewin with 23 minutes remaining.
Our fourth goal was special, as Danny Gee passed it down the right, Worth found Taylor, in turn he passed inch perfect to an unmarked Gregory who slotted home. It was a goal, which when you consider the movement and accuracy in passing, most teams would struggle to defend against.
With 18 minutes remaining we made our next substitution, replacing Taylor who was struggling from a foot injury, for Stevens and he slotted straight into midfield.
We didn't look too troubled, and Morton was unlucky not to get his hat trick, with their keeper making three great saves in succession. With 15 minutes to go, we made our last change replacing Gee for Sean Rudge, and as we got used to the change they added a second.
We put a little pressure on ourselves the last few minutes, but held strong to get a much-deserved win. It was a good clean game, with more verbal than physical stuff, and with a quality ref (Karl Jefferies) who commented on just how much we've improved.
So I'm pleased today, because we've bounced back which shows grit and character, and the work rate was there which I feel was lacking last week. Teams who play us on today's performance have few answers, but we can't let things drop or failure will be the result. If we continue as today the "run in" will be interesting, and Mark Shorthouse's training is reaping benefits (on today's result) so lets keep pushing lads.
Mom: Paul Morton, his work rate week in week out is second to none, plus scored two today. He states he's never been MOM before I'll have to check, but if true that's quite unbelievable!! Keep it going mate much deserved.
