Match Preview – Gresley

THE FACTS

Midland Football League
Premier Division
Gresley FC v Tividale FC
Saturday 17th August 2019
Kick off at 3:00pm

Our 2-0 win against AFC Wulfruniuns was the boost the squad needed after the opening day loss to Coventry Sphinx. Our host’s on the other hand have had a tough start to their league campaign. Losing both their opening games so far away at Romulus and Walsall Wood.

We both had Emirates Sponsored FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round ties on Saturday. And while we were a little fortunate to get past Wednesfield at the first attempt. Gresley were held to a 1-1 draw with Dunkirk and to add to the drama. The replay that was due to be played on Tuesday 13th was cancelled due to an investigation into Dunkirk.

THE HISTORY

These two teams have met many times over the years but the last times that we met was while we were both in the NPL Division 1 South. The first time we met though marked our first ever game in the 2014-15 season’s FA Trophy and a Kieran O’Connell master class was the difference between the two sides, With the midfielder netting both the goals. The first league game that season was just before Christmas 2014 at The Beeches. Again O’Connell was the architect as Gresley won 3-1 with 2 goals from Alex Steadman including a penalty and a Jake Carlisle header. Nigel Penney scored the Tividale goal. The return fixture ended in a controversial 1-1 draw. Steadman giving the home side a half time lead. But in injury time Tividale claimed a goal. The officials seemed to indicate the ball had not crossed the line. Gresley quickly broke on the counter but that was stopped abruptly by a Tividale foul. That resulted in a 30 man brawl and when the officials eventually brought some order. They then awarded that the initial effort by Tividale had in fact crossed the line.

The following season Gresley did the double over us. First of all at The Beeches and despite Gresley having keeper Liam Roberts sent off and Jack Langston taking the gloves. Even with 10 men Martin Smythe gave Gresley a half time lead and Steadman made it 2-0 from the spot. The return fixture at Gresley ended in a 2-1 win to the home side. They were 2-0 up at half time through Langston and Gary Ricketts and although Ricketts seemed to be well offside to just about everyone in the ground, somehow the officials thought different. Chris Sterling scored what was in the end a consolation goal.

THE LAST 6 GAMES LEAGUE FORM

Gresley – LLLLLL

Tividale – WWWLW

THE SQUAD NEWS

Tividale have Louis Connor doubtful for this game still with a shoulder injury. Cameron Milne with a hamstring injury and Curtis Cocking serving the second of his 3 game ban. Luke Carter is now available after the birth of his son.

THE SPECTATOR DETAILS

Gresley Football Club
The Moat Ground
Moat Street
Church Gresley
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 9RE

         We will be running a coach to Gresley. It leaves Tividale FC at 12:30pm.            Cost is £10 

Admission Prices Adults £8,
Concessions £5
Under 13’s £1 (with a paying Adult)
Match programme £1:50