The Dart vs Gresley FC

The Dart 2 - 2 Gresley'A'
Scorers: Dowell, Riddell

Team: Ian Parker (c), Danny Gee, Matt Simpkins, Chris Smith, Jamie Ball, Matt Grice, Matt Holmes, Rich Dowell, Ben Whitely, Paul Morton, Ash Riddell
Subs: Matt Gee, James Abbott, Craig Harrison

Our league campaign got underway today when we travelled away to meet The Dart. The summer has been a very busy time for me personally, with the players wishing to train throughout the summer without a break, and with the amount turning up a decision was made to run two teams this season.

So as we entered a new era, things needed sorting and the hardest thing was arranging pitches so thanks to Paul Smith (from our Juniors) with his help in this matter. Two players have stepped up to our reserves (Joe Tomlin and Scott Allsopp), so it's credit to the lads that we were able to field two teams with 14 players in each today. What's been decided is that many youngsters (most only 17) would be included into the 'B' team to develop into mens football. Also must mention that Craig Harrison has accepted my offer in becoming my assistant, of which I'm obviously delighted with.

We went into today's game with only one friendly (because of the pitch issue), also we were missing Rich Mansfield through other commitments, although we welcomed the return of Chris Smith and new signing Matt Simpkins.

It was obvious from kick off that many players were "match rusty", because we struggled to find the form we finished on last season, and in all fairness The Dart had the better of things. We looked shaky at the back, and couldn't put more than two passes together, which although disappointing was understandable to a certain degree. The Dart had their own "Rory Delap", whose throw ins were far more dangerous than most teams corners, and we failed time and time again to deal with comfortably.

Fortunately for us Smith and Parker saved us so many times in the first 15 minutes that I lost count, and being honest it looked like a "cricket score" was achievable from a purposeful Dart. So it came as no surprise to me or Harrison that we fell behind, when again we failed to deal with their long throw's on 16 minutes.

Things could have (and possibly should have been worse) as The Dart had far too many free headers, but luckily most were off target. The encouraging thing for me was that the longer the half went on the better and more composed we became. That's not saying we were at our best (far from it), but we slowly but surely began to compete.

We looked a little more threatening, but again our final ball was poor, which Morton and Riddell never gave up on and credit to both, they battled and won balls in very difficult circumstances.

Holmes again showed just how much natural talent he has, leaving their right back looking bewildered many times.

We got back on terms from an excellent Grice free kick which was delivered into the area, where Dowell met it just before their advancing keeper, heading home on 27 minutes. I honestly believe that although our goal was of good quality, we could consider ourselves somewhat fortunate to be back on terms.

It was all square at half time, but I think that Harrison and myself were happier than The Dart's manager, because we hadn't played as well as we can but still were on terms.

The halftime talk was constructive, with our concerns being listened to, and it was made quite clear that the first 20 minutes we'd been well below what is expected if we want to be serious contenders this season. I don't think the lads needed telling in all honesty.

Second half got underway much the same way as the first finished, with us much improved, but still nowhere near our best. Neither team could get a "foot hold" on the game in the early encounters however we'd actually began to ask questions on their defence with both Holmes and Riddell coming agonisingly close.

Dart again took the lead on 70 minutes, when a corner cleared everyone and went directly into the far corner of the net, which to me was a huge disappointment as again a set piece was our undoing.

The Darts celebrations were short lived when 3 minutes later Parker kicked well into Morton's feet, and he cleverly knocked it sideways to an unmarked Riddell who made no mistake blasting past the keeper.

With 17 minutes to go debutant Abbott replaced Holmes and soon after Ball made way for Matt Gee, as we looked to keep pressure on The Dart as it was obvious that they were running out of steam. Whitely then made way for Harrison and as the game ran its course I feel that a draw was a fair result even though we finished much the stronger team.

Today there are certain issues that we need to work on together, however not too bad a performance all things considered, Craig and myself chatted afterwards and we know what's required. Putting things into perspective, we've lost two players to our reserve which is pleasing, also it was pretty obvious that we were certainly match rusty, but this will improve.

Parker had a great game showing why he's our skipper. Just a quick mention the 'B' team lost 2-0 but after speaking to Dave Hatfield there's plenty of positive signs for the future, and in their first game together I'm sure that they'll do Gresley proud in future games.

Mom: Chris Smith, who today put in an awesome display at centre half and his overall contribution is a credit to him.