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Huws Grat-Fitlock Cymru Alliance
Gresford Athletic Vs. Mold Alex (Match Sponsor Charisma Trophies) Tuesday 17th. August.

Mold started brightly and full of confidence after their opening day defeat of Holyhead Hotspur, but Gresford's defence looked solid and capable until a through ball cut them napping, Gareth Rowland in the home goal pulling off the first of many saves to turn the ball for a corner. Andy Hughes then broke down the right for Gresford but his far post cross eluded everybody. A mix up in the Gresford defence almost resulted in Mold taking the lead but Rowland again saved the day with a good save. In an end to end game Danny Purdie had the next chance but his header from a Phil Jones corner went over the bar. An excellent move from Gresford should have brought the first goal of the game to the home side. Kevin Todd played a ball into Danny Purdie who back heeled it into the path of Jon Ratcliffe who should have done better in a one to one with the Mold keeper.
Mold took the lead after thirty five minutes a shot from the edge of the box brought another fine save from Rowland but a Mold forward pounced on the rebound to side foot home. Gresford should have been level within five minutes when Jon Ratcliffe headed over from a Wyn Jones corner. The same player then lost the ball in midfield allowing Mold to break but another save from Rowland kept out the Mold attempt.

Half time: Gresford Athletic 0 Mold Alex 1

Gresford dominated possession at the start of the second half but could not score the illusive goal to get back on level terms. The best early chance fell to Jon Ratcliffe but his header from a good Kevin Todd cross failed to trouble the Mold keeper. Shaun Williams then won the ball in midfield and fed the over lapping Phil Jones but his excellent cross was headed straight at the Mold keeper by Danny Purdie. Mold were under the cosh at this point with the occasional breakaway always looking dangerous, from one of these breakaways they forced a corner and a Mold forward showed Gresford how to score with a free header at the near post to put them two up. Gresford still took the game to Mold and another run and cross from Andy Hughes was put wide from Danny Purdie when a goal looked certain. Man of the match Rowland had the last say of the game making the save of the game in the final few minutes.

This was a game that Gresford had all the possession played some neat and tidy football, created most of the chances but had their keeper as the man of the match. “It's a funny old game”

FINAL SCORE: GRESFORD ATHLETIC 0 MOLD 2


TEAM: 1. Gareth Rowland (9) 2. Kevin Todd (8) 3. Phil Jones (7) 4. Mike Gronnow (6) 5. Steve Shaughnessy (6) 6. Wyn Jones (6) 7. Andy Hughes (6) 8. Jon Ratcliffe (8) 9. Danny Purdie (7) 10. Shaun Williams (7) 11. Carl Andrews (7) 12. Richard Carr 14. Darryl Hilson 15. Matt Williams (7) (for Steve Shaughnessy)

MOM. GARETH ROWLAND