|
Lex X1 Vs. Gresford Athletic |
A controversial penalty converted by Gary Penlington in the 65th minute that saw Mike Pugh being sent off for allegedly handling the ball on the line proved to be the turning point in this relegation battle that had seen Gresford take the lead in the 47th minute through  Josh Page after a goalless first half which saw both sides wasting good opportunities. Gresford started the brighter with chances falling to both Simon Smith and Owen Roberts in the opening 15 minutes, the best for the latter being a one on one with Lex keeper Gavin Pierce which saw his attempt to chip the keeper sail over the bar. Lex settled into the game and chances fell to Joe Garner and Renee Pinard however neither side managed to take control of the game and Gresford went in at the break realising that missed opportunities should have put the game beyond the grasp of Lex. Gresford got off to a good start 2 minutes after the break when Josh Page collected the ball from Rob Rondel and kept his composure to put the ball to the right of keeper Pierce however Lex pulled themselves back into the game in the 50th minute through Gary Penlington who picked up a clearance from keeper Pierce that caught the Gresford midfield and defence sleeping. Gresford then saw opportunities for Ian Matthias and Kevin Hope run wide before another clearance from Pierce caught Gresford napping when it was picked up on the right by Penlington, Gareth Rowland came off his line to narrow the angle for Penlington who managed to cross the ball low into the box and in the ensuing melee the ball was struck by a Lex player onto the chest of Mike Pugh but clearly referee Ballantyne felt he had handled it, awarded a penalty and showed Pugh the red card. Gresford were forced to change their formation at the back and once again failed to capitalise on chances with Josh Page being caught offside in the 70th minute and were left shaking their heads in disbelief when Joe Garner capitalised on a defensive mistake to put the home side further ahead in the 72nd minute. Stef Edwards was then introduced in place of Simon Smith who had worked tirelessly throughout and the introduction of Stef's pace opened up the game however Gresford were unable to reduce Lex's lead before the game was brought to a halt in the 79th minute when Joe Garner came off the worse from his challenge on Alan Williams which saw him being stretchered off the field. The game restarted some 6 minutes later and George Koumas was introduced for Owen Roberts however Lex increased their lead in the 85th minute through Mark Williams and Koumas managed to grab a consolation goal in the 90th minute. Another game where missed opportunities left Gresford wondering where the next points will come from with a tough trip to Ruthin in front of them next weekend. |
|
|
|
