Match Report  |  Gresley FC vs Brighouse Town

Gresley’s barren league spell now stretches to just 2 points from a possible 24 and almost from the off it looked like today’s game was not going to add to their tally against a very strong Brighouse side who, after this game, sit in third place in the league.

There had been a Miracle on Moat Street as Gresley’s hard working volunteers somehow managed to get the pitch in some sort of playable condition despite the almost constant rain during the proceeding week and especially last night when the rain was hammering down. However, it made for a tricky surface for both sides to play on.
Almost from the off Brighouse was pressing Gresley back with keeper Oliver Fairbrother having to keep the score level after just 6 minutes.

Fairbrother was in action again a minute later having to parry a well struck shot and then pushing the rebound attempt away.
The Gresley stopper was on fine form again denying Brighouse when Mohammed Ibrahim broke through the home back line but Fairbrother was quick off his line and blocked the shot with an outstretched leg. The ball spun up into the air and back towards Gresley’s goal but Jamie Barrett was on hand to clear the danger.

Gresley’s only attempt on goal in the game so far came when James Jepson struck a low shot which appeared to be going wide of the near post but visiting keeper Jordan Porter made sure collecting the ball.

Brighouse went close on 26 minutes when a cross from the left was narrowly headed over at the far post.

A period of niggly free kicks was giving the game a stop-start appearance and in the end referee Mr Sinclair booked Aaron Martin.
The first half ended with yet another chance for the visitors but again the header went well over from Iwan Heeley’s free kick.

Within a couple of minutes of the second half the visitors went very close to taking the lead when Ibrahim managed to get a toe to the ball but Fairbrother once more was alert and blocked the ball.

Brighouse took a deserved lead on 57 minutes when a ball to Ibrahim was superbly curled into the top corner giving Fairbrother no chance.

Gresley were a couple of inches away from a penalty when the referee adjudged that a free kick was just outside the area. Unfortunately, for the Gresley supporters the kick came to nothing.

The home side almost gave their visitors an early Christmas present when a woefully short back pass was latched onto by Brighouse only for the final shot to come back off the base of the far post and the shot from the rebound saved by Fairbrother.

The nearest Gresley got to scoring came with just minutes of the game remaining when substitute Callum Riddell smashed a shot which Porter could only punch away.

Gresley just need that little bit of luck to get back to winning ways and to bring back the confidence seen in the early games of the season. Their chance will come on Boxing Day when they make the short trip to Loughborough Dynamo.