Northern Premier League Midlands
The Oval, Bedworth
Saturday, 22nd October 2022, 3.00pm
Dismal Rovers Beaten
Make no bones about it, Rovers were well beaten in this game by a more determined Bedworth side.
The visitors were reduced to just one attempt on target and one that was off target as they were a mere shadow of the side who beat Chasetown in midweek. Whereas their hosts defended well and took their chances when they arrived.
United were soon on the front foot putting Rovers under pressure from the start forcing a corner, the first of several in the match, within a couple of minutes of the start.
The hosts’ pressure was tempered a little when they were forced to make a change after Khaellem Bailey-Nicholls suffered a nasty looking ankle injury.
However, Bedworth were soon back in control, and it was Jordi Gough who prevented the Moatmen from falling behind as he cleared a stinging shot, which beat Lewis Fenney, off the line. Fenney was called for minutes before the break making a save from Dilano Reid.
On the stroke of half time Bedworth scored the goal they deserved. Some slick play led to Liam Murphy slotting home at the far post.
Manager Carl Abbott made two changes for the second half with Dylan Hunniford replacing Tyler Donaldson and George Clark Adam Garmson.
Bedworth continued where they’d left on in the first half putting Rovers under pressure. On 52 minutes they went close to doubling their advantage when a great pass sliced the Gresley back line open and Murphy saw his chance to add to his tally but Fenney was quick off his line to save his side blocking at Muphy’s feet.
Six minutes later though Fenney could do nothing to prevent another goal for the home side. Another ball through the defence down the right saw former Moatman, Curvin Ellis slot the ball past the keeper to virtually put the game out of reach for Gresley.
Gresley did try to fashion some moves into the Bedworth half, but passes were defended or went badly astray.
Time was running out for the visitors and the door was slammed shut when the home side were awarded a free kick 25 yards from the Gresley goal. Substitute Oliver Babbington took the kick and curled a sublime effort into the top left corner giving Fenney no chance.
