Gresley Rovers vs Red Lion Horninglow
Gresley Rovers Youth 0 - 1 Red Lion
Team: Stu Haywood, Jack Moylan, Carl Wymark, Kyle Jones, Danny Gee, Joe Tomlin, Todd Foster, Sam Worth, Chris Smith, Paul Morton, Paul Hollis
Subs: Luke Taylor, Ian Parker, Craig Harrison
We were at home today to the Red Lion, but with the recent weather, Mark organised Shobnall for us. The Red Lion are a good team who have strength all over the pitch, and me and Martin, had the pick of our reserves but as you know we believe in you!!
So no reserves were included today (rightly or not) that's my belief and I will stand by it. You lads have worked, trained and for that I think mine and Martins decision is right.
So to the game, we opted for 3 at the back, yes loads of experience, but two 16 year olds and one 17 year old, but again I know what you're capable of. That left a five-man midfield with two up front.
So as the game started we matched them in every department, we competed, and held a great back line catching them off side many times. Unlike before, against Red Lion we actually looked quite comfortable, and it was very even. Neither keeper was really troubled ,and if I recall things right, the best (or only save of the first half) came from their keeper from a Chris Smith free kick?? However, Smith was also at hand to clear off our line and make a great tackle soon after.
So I was pleased that we went in 0-0 at half time and I feel that it was a just reward for our efforts!!
Second half started, and again, we looked good we kept our shape and was never out fought so it was looking positive. Yes we rode our luck at times, but no more than them, and being honest we deserved a draw. I flagged for off side when Lonogan went for the ball then left it, and although they scored, the ref agreed with me!!
With 10 minutes remaining, Red Lion took a corner, and a tackle outside our box (agreed by ALL) resulted in a Red Lion penalty!!!
Yes they scored and I honestly feel that today we were ROBBED??
I begin to wonder if the refs do not want football to continue because we never (as a young team) get the rub of the green. The youngsters are the future of football (in whatever league) and for whatever team!!! So the lads were robbed and being honest I'm gutted because until then the ref was good.
It's hard to trust in such youth, but me and Martin honestly do, you are a real credit to yourselves and that I'm proud!! .I am beginning to feel what we are learning in this league because as again we have had some shocking
decisions which has cost us!!
So let's get positive!!! Jack Moylan, Kyle Jones and Carl Wymark were outstanding so were you all!! I ask for effort each week and none of you let me down!! I don't know what our destiny lies, but if we finish bottom (which it looks like) then so be it because I know just how hard you work and try!!
If we decide to do things different next year, then it will be a loss to the Burton league, but then perhaps the ref's will have headaches of who to "go against".
I'm still reeling and will be for some time about issues out of our control, we didn't deserve to win, but neither did we deserve to loose!!
Training again on Monday and keep it going lads because you're more upbeat than me at the moment!!
Mom: Stu Haywood. Between the sticks again (where he belongs) and a great display mate. Keep it going Stuey.
