Match Report
By Allon Hoskin

Against opposition with formidable ranking in the Cymru Alliance Gresford started the game brightly as we all asked ourselves, could this be the day? Glantraeth however soon started to dominate and were quick to push forward with long balls and good forward running that threatened to get in behind our back four. The early pressure soon led to a smart volleyed cross sent low into the Gresford penalty area and Glantraeth striker Kevin Roberts finished with a powerful diving header that sailed past an outstretched Gareth Rowland and as the net bulged our hearts sank. Our opposition continued to push forward and minutes later forced an excellent save from Rowland to keep the Gresford hope alive, as Glantraeth again drove the ball long onto a quick footed striker who split our centre half's. Although battling well Gresford gave the ball away cheaply in midfield, which resulted in a free kick awarded for a reckless challenge to retrieve lost possession. Within dangerous range, a poorly defended back post left Mark Thomas free to score Glantraeth's second with a simple header and with 75 minutes to play we were facing a 0-2 deficit and another one of those days. Stoically Gresford battled on and a game Wyn Jones pushed forward from left back and started to make some headway through midfield. With a loose ball gathered by Jones just outside the opposition penalty area and with a cool head and an intelligent short pass to Jon Taylor a well-weighted ball was threaded through to put Craig Williams in front of goal; with only the keeper to beat he slotted the ball into the net. Gresford were re writing the script and with heads up started to dominate. Continued pressure and desperate defending now from Glantraeth led to a free kick in exactly the same position from which Gresford had only minutes earlier conceded their second goal. Wyn Jones this time the recipient of a clever lay off from Phil Jones drove the ball hard at the opposition goal, with Steve Thomas in the Glantraeth goal unable to deal with the power of the shot Craig Williams pounced on the loose ball and leveled the game. Clappers Lane roared with approval and with the synergy of belief between supporters and a re-energised team, Gresford pushed through every tackle and 50/50 ball. The sustained pressure and a slip from Glantraeth keeper Thomas could only add to the euphoria as Craig Williams was gifted an open goal to score his well deserved hatrick to put Gresford into a 3-2 lead at half time. Gresford started the second half strongly and now found their feet as a team who were playing out of their skins. It would be unfair to single out any one player but for an inspiring performance from 16-year-old Jon Taylor who kept his head well and continued to harass and unnerve the opposition back four and midfield. Gareth Rowland was called to make some excellent saves and some do or die defending protected Gresford's one goal lead. With 20 minutes left on the clock however the game was far from won. With a combination of what could only be described as a bizarre tactical substitution from Gresford and a change in formation from Glantraeth our nerves were given one final test. Gresford had lost their width and with a narrow mid field now outnumbered 5 against 4 Gresford did well to hold out as Glantraeth poured forward looking for the equaliser and what would be the killer blow. Today however was Gresford's day and we played out the last 5 minutes with a calm resolve and thankfully in the oppositions half. With emotions high Gresford ran out at Clappers Lane Victorious at last.

Final Score 3-2

Man of the Match
Wyn Jones