Barton United vs Gresley Rovers
Barton Utd 2-0 Gresley Rovers
Team: Ian Parker, Danny Gee, Joe Tomlin, Dave Hatfield (c), Rich Foster, Tom Fletcher, Josh Gregory, Joe Swift, Sam Worth, Dan Woodings, Nigel Brewin
Subs: Sean Rudge, Craig Harrison, Mark Shorthouse
Today we travelled away to Barton, in our penultimate league game, and after last week I was looking to bounce back and push for a top 3 finish. Things were somewhat hampered, by several players unavailable, but at times like these I believe it gives others a chance.
We spoke before the game, about being patient and what I thought was their weaknesses, and as the game got underway we looked reasonable. Things were pretty even exchanges, although we never really got into our stride, which seems to be "the norm" at the moment.
Barton broke forward in numbers, and we never really dealt with this, but being honest our back four never looked too troubled. On the 20 minute mark Barton opened their account, when we failed to deal with a corner, but in all honesty the "warning signs" had been there.
The good thing was that we did battle, and forced a couple of chances, but Barton coped well with them. Parker saved bravely at a strikers feet, to keep us in the game just before half time.
Second half we started a lot brighter, and caused some errors on Barton's defence, but still never really tested their keeper. This may have been due to our relative inexperienced strike force, but credit must go to them because they tried their hearts out. It takes time to settle, and although naivety was present, the two youngsters up front did listen to what we wanted.
With 15 minutes gone, we made our first change, swapping Woodings for Rudge (Dan will learn from today and at only 16 that's pleasing). Rudge soon got into things, and with a neat interplay with Swift, nearly scored, and it was probably the first test of their keeper. We then had a very bright spell when we were certainly "on top", but although we tried we couldn't unlock their defence.
With 20 minutes remaining, we made our second (and final) swap, replacing Fletcher for Harrison, this meant Brewin dropping into midfield. We did try to push for goal, but being honest never looked like scoring, and Barton broke forward to score with only 10 minutes left.
It was a blow, but possibly deserved, and that was virtually "game over" as we had a mountain to climb. Barton wasted as much time as possible (their keeper taking over 4 minutes to retrieve the ball), which was never added on. But if we'd been in their position you wouldn't have heard me moaning at us doing the same.
Today as last week has shown that there is still a lot of work to do, if we're to be serious contenders for league honours next year. I believe that we can push further, with the commitment that you show at games and training and me and Nigel are prepared to work to achieve our "goal". That's a top team, and the foundations are firmly planted, for such an achievement.
It's difficult as I know (and fully understand) because we get seriously overlooked to move on. However we get praised in most games from refs (and opposing managers).Yes it's frustrating, but I can honestly state, that everyone is a credit to our club, and we will continue to progress. This season has been a very much improvement, but I still feel there's more to come, and hopefully you'll prove me right!!.
MOM: Josh Gregory, two weeks on the trot (2 managers can't be wrong can they??) certainly not!!!
Well done Josh, another commanding centre mid performance, and I know many more to come mate.
