MATCH REPORT
On the back of an important and closely fought away win last week against our 2nd placed league rivals Overton, this weeks fixture against Castell Alun Colts was set to be no less of a challenge in our quarter final outing of the NEWFA Horace Wynne Cup. Castell Alun, fielding a mixed side of experience and youth started strongly and our junior keeper Adam Taylor (pictured) was called up to the mark within a few minutes to make a decisive save coming way off his line to deny a tenacious early break from a Castell Alun striker. Alun continued to pressure with good quick forward play as our defenders reorganised well to soak up the early pressure. With the back four now solid Gresford pushed on and with our ebullient style battled well throughout the pitch. A good three pass move down the right wing left Chris Broadhurst to produce a touch of brilliance as he cut into the box and curled an exquisite left foot shot into the top left hand corner, 1-0 Gresford. We continued to press well and got a well deserved second goal headed from centre half Graham Sutcliffe and but for an uncharacteristic lack of defensive concentration which led to Castell Alun pulling a goal back with a quick break and a well taken 20 yard lob from Jack Jones, we went into half time well in control. Castell Alun however were not lying down and much of the second half was end to end. Gresford did not tire and solid defending from Steve Halliwel l led the way forward. With an all round consummate performance our full backs and midfield were linking well and along with dogged running up and down the pitch from Gaz Pugh-Jones and Owen Roberts we bolstered our dominance on the game which deservedly led to another brilliant strike from Chris Broadhurst who, with 13 minutes from time and with his back to goal, turned and hit the sweetest of volleys past a rooted Castell Alun keeper to secure our place in another Semi final.
Final score 3-1

MOM Chris Broadhurst