Barton United Reserves vs Gresley Rovers
Barton Reserves 5 - 0 Gresley Rovers Youth
Team: Tom Allan, Jack Moylan, Kyle Jones, Joe Tomlin, Alex Peplow, Danny Gee, Luke Taylor, Matt Grice, Sam Ingley, Paul Hollis, Paul Morton
Subs: Sam Worth,Chris Smith,Dean Acton,Stu Haywood
Today was the penultimate game this season, against top of the league Barton Reserves, away at Holland Sports ground. I always being the optimist was looking for a result!!
We started off matching our opposition in most areas and there were no real threats on either goal and at times we played good football. However their skipper (who I gave Mom) was winning everything in midfield, he was controlling things because we let him. The deadlock was broken with 10 minutes of the half remaining, when we gave away a sloppy ball and never recovered.
Second half I was still optimistic to get something from the game, however my hopes were soon dashed, when we sold our keeper well short from a backpass. Tom had no option but to foul their striker, a caution and a penalty (of which they scored). This lead to our heads dropping and being honest we got off light with a 5 goal beating.
So today has shown me that certain players do not have the
attitude, commitment or desire to progress within the ranks of Gresley Rovers. Yes you're all young, and have interests outside of football, but we're a club soaked in tradition and some of you don't realise what an opportunity
you have at your feet. You have let yourselves down (and just as important) your team mates.We may be in a "pub league", as certain people call it, but we don't have to adapt that mentality!! We all know the one I'm on about (get hammered Friday, turn up to play Saturday and when we can be bothered come training) SORRY BUT THAT AINT THE WAY IT WORKS AT GRESLEY ROVERS!! AND IT NEVER WILL!! So what I'm asking is like football, very simple,look at yourselves and ask "do you want it???"
We have several players who can, and possibly will, "make it" and today really showed me who you are. There was (despite the result) some great determined performances today but you were let down by others. I'm not naming names, but I will talk to you all next week (and I've spoken to Dave Fleary about certain players making the step up) and that's what I'm trying to achieve. So it's up to you others to concentrate on what you want back from football (because you get back what we give). If you're happy with playing where you are then fair doo's but in time you'll regret it!!
Also we lost a match ball today, and saying as I buy them myself, at a cost of £40 then that shows your total lack of respect for me (and your team).
Mom: Paul Hollis, he tried and worked his socks off and I think he scored (but wasn't given)!
