MATCH REPORT
With a place in the finals at stake New Brighton came to Clappers Lane with intentions; and on a day when the blustery conditions dictated the style of play this indeed was the leveller that any opposition will gladly take when playing the defending champions and holders of the League Cup. Playing the first half into the wind Gresford battled well and did their best to deliver the good football that we have started to expect from our gallant reserves. Despite their hard work the first half came and went without much of an event with the closest to a chance on goal coming from a good volley from Steve Haliwell who kept his
eye on a deep corner and struck the ball well……..wide.
The second half started without much change although it pays me to mention the exceptional work rate throughout the Gresford midfield and solid defending from the back four that served to keep any New Brighton hopes at bay. With a stale mate threatening it was left to the management to make some decisive substitutions. Mat Davies was the first and within minutes of joining the game latched onto a good ball played down the right wing and made enough ground on the New Brighton full back to put a good cross hard, low and into the six yard box onto which an ever present Chris Broadhurst steered the ball into the net. New Brighton responded well, on the break and with the Gresford defence exposed, a well-worked individual effort winding through the penalty area led to a deserved equaliser by Alan Dawson. On level terms again Gresford made their second substitution. With his experience and imposing frame Rus Pritchard quickly put himself about the New Brighton mid field and a sustained effort of forward play led to Gaz Pugh Jones hooking a great cross onto an airborne Mat Davies, the strong header was fumbled into the net by the New Brighton keeper and Gresford were back in the lead. We finished the game strongly and New Brighton were forced to conceded free kicks from which the keeper was fortunate to gather the spoils from two good efforts.
A frenetic cup tie it was, pretty it certainly wasn't although Gresford Reserves proved that as well as the beautiful game, they can also play the ugly game and come out on top. Final score 2-1