Match Report  |  Gresley FC vs Basford United

Gresley should have had this game won comfortably after creating numerous chances but where denied by some good saves from former Moatman Saul Deeney and some wayward finishing.

Basford, on the other hand, were restricted to just one attempt on target but the difference was it counted sending Gresley to a defeat on the opening day of the new season.

Manager Wayne Thornhill included four of his summer signings along with keeper Liam Roberts in his starting line-up and they started well.

With eleven minutes on the clock a superb through ball from Martin Smyth sent Jordan Ball on his way towards goal but to their credit United were quick to get some cover back and a well timed tackle blocked the final shot.

Deeney made his first save of the afternoon when Ryan King dribbled his way into a shooting position only to be denied by the diving keeper. Gresley continued to press and the first half concluded with Ball putting his header over the bar.

The second half continued with Gresley making the running. Only a minute on the clock and a pass from the left found Jack Langston who unleashed a shot which if it had found the back off the net it would have taken it off its fastenings.

United made a rare chance and it should have given them the lead when Ashleigh Grayson found himself six yards out in the centre of goal only to sky his shot high over the bar.

Gresley immediately hit back and this time it was Chris Richards who was the unlucky player. First he struck the bar with a shot and then put an eventual cross from the right just over the bar.

Lady Luck was certainly missing at the Moat Ground when the home side were denied what looked like a nailed on penalty kick when Ball had his legs swept from under him as he raced into the box. Referee Paul Hobday judged that the tackle was a fair one to the anger of players and supporters over on the far side who had the clearest of views.

Stuart Hendrie then did well for the visitors but after making space only managed to fire wide of the far post. Ball at the other end went close as his on target shot was deflected away for a corner kick. The forward went close again when substitute Dereece Gardner picked him out with his pass but again the final shot cleared the bar.

Another chance from the home side came when substitute Lucas Harrison hit a dipping shot from fully 30 yards that had Deeney scrambling back to tip it over the bar.

A good move from Gresley ended with Gardner laying the ball on for Sam Wood who, after racing into the area, narrowly fired wide.

Langston was the latest Gresley player to be denied having his stinging shot parried by Deeney but the Moatmen were left to rue not taking any of their many chances.

United were awarded a free kick on the left. Substitute Hutchinson took the kick and hit a once-in-a-season shot which found the top near corner giving keeper Liam Roberts no chance. The Moat faithful were stunned as were many of the visiting players as they realised they'd pulled off the proverbial smash and grab.

Gresley will play a lot worse than that and win games but they need to start to convert the many chances they create hopefully starting at Rugby on Tuesday.