Willenhall v Gresley

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Unibond Northern Premier League Division One

Tuesday 7th September 2005

WILLENHALL TOWN 0 vs GRESLEY ROVERS 0

 

With four wins in their four Unibond games, table toppers Rovers were always going to be the Reds toughest Unibond test so far.

However, the neutrals in the 194 strong crowd would have been forgiven for thinking it was Willenhall who were top of the pile in this one sided encounter. The home team dominated for 90% of the match and were denied only by their lack of on-target efforts.

With more luck than a lotto winner, Gresley’s luck held for them to keep their unbeaten record even after they went down to 10 men after 25 minutes when Hebberd was invited to take an early bath after two crunching fouls in nearly as many minutes.

Once Hebberd had gone, the Moatmen dug in and set about defending to the hilt. Fortunately the Reds keeper Vaughan isn’t on performance related pay, as he would have gone home skint having had nothing to do.

The second half saw the Reds with their best opportunity of the match to snatch the lead after just three minutes of play and with the goal begging, Edwards, in front of goal, mis-kicked, the loose ball fell to Swann who’s effort went just over the Moatmen’s crossbar.

Rovers only effort of the game came with a rare trip into the host’s box, on 66 minutes, O’connor making a dazzling run through the Reds defence, his cross come shot was tipped over by Vaughan.

The Reds will be hoping to turn possession into goals in forthcoming games as they look to keep their early momentum going. They currently occupy a play off place in their first ever season in the Unibond league.

 

Reds line up; Vaughan, Colwell, Whitcombe, Slater, Thomas, Creighton, Swann, Jackson, Edwards, Quilt, Smith. Subs Webb, Tyrell, & Jones.

 

Saturday sees the Noose Lane club with a trip to Sheffield when they take on Stocksbridge Park Steels before they entertain Belper on the following Tuesday.

With the England vs Wales game in October the Reds have re-arranged a couple of their games. The game between Colwyn Bay & Willenhall Town originally scheduled for Saturday 9th October will now be played at Colwyn Bay on Sunday 10th October.

Due to this re-arranged fixture, their home fixture versus Ilkeston Town has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday 13th October.