Red Lion Horninglow vs Gresley Rovers
Red Lion 2 - 1 Gresley Rovers
Scorer: Chris Smith
Team: Stu Haywood, Joe Tomlin, Dave Hatfield(c), Rich Foster, Danny Gee, Luke Taylor, Tom Fletcher, Jack Moylan, Sam Worth, Matt Grice, Mark Shorthouse
Subs: Chris Smith,Craig Harrisson,Andy Lyons.
We travelled to Shobnall today, to play our old rivals The Red Lion, on the back of two convincing wins. However, (with no disrespect) we knew that our opponents today were a far different test to the two previous teams.
We were missing several players through various reasons, however because of our strong squad, we were still able to field a good side. You cannot have a better test than last season's champions (and cup winners) so this was going to be an indication of how far we've progressed.
So as the game started, we never really got into our traditional style of football (this was mainly due to the quality of our opposition) but we battled. We never got the ball down and played, which was a little disappointing, but we fought hard and that is something we need at times. Haywood pulled off a couple of good saves, but on the whole, we didn't look too troubled. We did have a couple of half chances first half, but not as many as The Red Lion did, but it took a bad decision to break the deadlock. Not from us, but from the referee, who missed an obvious hand ball from their goal scorer to knock it down to feet!
So I know it sounds familiar, but can't help thinking that refs maybe don't like us?? and I can't understand why because we must be the most disciplined team in our league!!
So second half, we spoke about things (and how poor the ref was) and we all knew we needed more from everyone.
With ten minutes gone we brought on Smith for Taylor, and pushed him up front and he looked hungry. We had our best period of the game with Worth producing two good saves from their keeper, and it showed that if you take the
game to them, they were very much on the back foot. We forced them into errors and they looked vulnerable and our pressure paid off when Smith latched onto a half chance, rounded the keeper, and drew us level.
So it was "game on" again and being honest it was what we deserved, because we never let our heads drop. The game opened up with both teams searching for the winner, and unfortunately Red Lion got it with a great finish although
in the build up their looked an obvious off side) but I was not anywhere near enough to judge.
So some you win some you don't, but with 7 minutes left our skipper Hatfield was dismissed for a second yellow. This about summed the ref up, he was dire and spoilt a good clean game of football between two great teams.
So today we've shown good signs but still can't beat the best team in our league, but as last season, the ref certainly played his part ruining a good football match.
I'd relish the chance to play The Red Lion with a good ref
(and maybe we will one day) because today he certainly spoilt things.
The team played well enough for a draw, but didn't deserve to win, something we need to work on and we will. I cannot fault the lads today, they gave their best, and one bad result won't harm us and when we get back to full strength
I'm sure we'll give every team a run for their money. Your discipline today was a credit and something I'm proud of, so let's keep believing and the results will show just how good we've become.
Mom: Joe Tomlin, again showed a massive improvement and truly great performance. The last three games Man of the Matches have gone to back three that says it all I feel. Well done Joe keep it going mate.
