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GRESFORD ATHLETIC RESERVES 3 LLANUWCHLLYN 1
By Captain Web

What a great delight it was for everyone connected with the club to finish the year off on a high.

It is becoming the norm to reshuffle the pack at the eleventh hour, Keeno had already earned his first team stripes but with a late withdrawal in the first eleven, talented teenager Darren Jones joined up with the squad that travelled to Llandyrnog. It was a huge bonus having Wyn Jones in the side though, his tackling was superb and his vision is awesome.

In attempt to get the balance right, Robbie switched to the right flank and Matt partnered ‘cool hand Luke' Chris Broadhurst in attack.

Sooty was working so in came Matt Williams at right back so all in all we had three changes from the side that beat Glynceiriog.

The opening goal did seem a long time coming though but it was well worth waiting for, Broady latched on to a bouncing ball and volleyed home from outside of the box to score the best goal seen at Clappers this season.

We seemed to be coasting things when out of the blue, the visitors managed to get back on level terms. We lost the ball in midfield and Gareth Roberts ran from deep to shoot low and to the right of Craig Trow to equalise.

We had dominated the first half and the lads came into the dressing room not knowing what to expect. Ady was as calm as a cucumber and couldn't praise the team enough. There was a big pat on the back for young Owen who played the best game so far since he joined us in early November.

Big Sam joined us for the second half and he looked well after his operation for a new hip.

It was clearly only going to be a matter of time before we restored the lead but we had to wait until the hour mark. A cross from Robbie was powered home by Matt Davies. We then had a cast iron penalty claim turned down and a perfectly good goal disallowed prior to Broady notching his second of the afternoon.

Moments later though, a swinging boot caught Broady above the eye and he had to be substituted which is a huge shame because I had £10 at 12-1 that he was going to score a hat-trick. I will show my ‘Arris in Burton 's window if he doesn't reach double figures by the end of the season.

Our tactical changes did make an impact with the petulant yet outstanding Huw Jones replacing Owen, Danny the Giraffe looked comfortable alongside Haggis and Hughesey made some useful runs coming on for Chris Broadhurst.

In his exclusive post match press interview. Ady was quite ecstatic with the win and his credentials will have him in the frame for manager of the month !.

“I thought today was one of our best performances and it is a shame really that Christmas has arrived and we have a three week break. It would have been nice to keep the run going. There were several outstanding performances and I thought Craig Trows handling was excellent. My nomination for man of the match was influenced by comments from the sidelines. So just by a whisker, Broady took the honours”

MOM Chris Broadhurst

TWA – Tea Award – Huw Jones for his lack of sporting behaviour. He hadn't realised that Ady has stamped his authority on the team this year and has a new code of conduct which has even turned Haggis into a changed man. (Well almost) Instead of the usual down a pint, Big Sam went to the Chemists and insisted Huw downed a pint of gripe water!

Team: 1. Craig Trow (7) 2. Matt Williams (8) 3. Paul Chaloner (6) 4. Steve Halliwell (6) 5. Luke Peate (6) 6. Richie Carr (8) 7. Owen Roberts (7) 8. Wyn Jones (8) 9. Matt Davies (7) 10. Chris Broadhurst (9) 11. Robbie Jones (8) SUBS: 12. Huw Jones (7) 14. Chris Hughes (7) 15. Danny Gronnow (7)