MATCH REPORT

Venture where on the attack from the off and caused problems in the Gresford defence as early as the second minute, but it was Gresford who had the first real chance from a poor back pass. Venture took control of the game midway through the first half with two goals in five minutes. Both although well taken by Carl Evans came about because of very poor defending by the Gresford defence. Gresford huffed and puffed trying to get back into the game but with ball in the air to much and poor decision making could not break through the Venture defence. Matt Davies did create a chance for Jason Gray and he was unlucky to see his chip shot go wide of the far upright. Venture player manager Jay Davies then brought a good save from Adam Taylor in the Gresford goal. A great ball from Max Peate almost brought Gresford a goal on half time, Chris Broadhurst forcing a defender to clear over his own bar. From the resulting corner Graham Sutcliffe headed straight at Simon Roberts in the Venture goal.

Half Time Gresford Athletic Res 0 Venture 2

After a half time "chat" Gresford forced Venture back and only a good save from Simon Roberts from a Chris Broadhurst shot prevented them from opening their account. Dave Lloyd and Matt Davies then combined to create a half chance that was cleared. With twenty minutes remaining Gresford got the goal their second half display deserved, Steve Halliwell heading home off the underside of the bar from a Dave Lloyd corner. The introduction of substitute Gareth Pugh-Jones spurred Gresford on and with ten minutes to go a very controversial incident prevented what seemed a good equaliser ruled out. The assistant referee raised his flag for offside against a Gresford forward, as the Venture keeper had the ball the referee did not blow his whistle for a freekick, apparently using the advantage rule to good effect. The Venture keeper then threw the ball down to take a free kick that had not been given. The ever alert Chris Broadhurst latched onto the ball and scored what should have been a worthy equaliser. After consultation between the Referee and assistant the goal was ruled out and the game restarted with a freekick to venture. Gresford were obviously very disappointed with this decision as the game had not been stopped by the Referee when Broadhurst scored. Gresford then threw everything at Venture and won numerous corners and freekick's that came to nothing. The best chance falling to Richard Carr but his header was blocked by the over worked Venture defence.

Full Time Gresford Athletic Res 1 Venture 2