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Druid Sports & Leisure Welsh National Division One League Cup
Overton Vs. Gresford Athletic Reserves

13th. November

OVERTON ATH 1 GRESFORD ATHLETIC RESERVES 1
Gresford Athletic win 5-4 on penalties

By Captain Web Jones

I was beginning to think I was living in a bit of a time warp, up I journeyed to The Rec at Overton and on arrival 2 minutes into the game, I was absolutely gutted to find we were chasing our tails after Grant Purviss was gift wrapped an opening goal for the hosts almost straight from the kick off.

I counted a ruck of changes, Pricey was unavailable and Robbie was on first team duty. It had been confirmed midweek Darren Jones had broken his trumpet so he joined me on the sidelines. In came Chris Broadhirst to partner Matty Davies, Ady took an anchor roll in midfield and made a solid impression and it was nice to welcome back Chal.

Unlike previous games, we did not collapse like a pack of cards after falling behind and you could sense the players were desperate to prove what a decent team we are. Matt Williams twice went close following some long surging runs, Matt Davies hit the post and Chris Broadhirst is the best find the Rezzo's have had for some time and he really impressed me.
The dressing room was calm at half time because there was the strong belief that we would be rewarded with something from this game if we stayed composed and did not panic.

We continued to plug away and took the game to Overton but ten minutes into the second half, Ollie pulled off a blanket save which was sheer class.

On the hour, Ady made way for Luke Peate and he made a quick impression being involved in the move which saw Huw Birkdale score his first goal for the club and how important it was.

At 90 minutes and at 1-1, Sooty and 'The Head' Mr Lloyd entered the fray with Geoff's back legs going and Birko running out of puff but both defences stood firm as we went into a spot kick show down.

12 months ago, we made a real hash of the league cup 'penalty' shoot out and it cost us our place in the competition. I can't even remember if we scored any but Evo never found the ball Matty Williams pumped over the crossbar, it went sky high over the bowling green and it ended up somewhere in Morgan's Garage. Sooty fluffed, Haggis stubbed the ground and what a cats arse Iwan made of his. Lady luck was on our side on Saturday though and it was sheer relief when all five penalties were converted, the last one by Richie Carr proving decisive.

There were some excellent performances, Broady looks the answer to our problems up front, Ollie certainly kept us in the competition especially with his penalty save but one player who stood out head and shoulders from the rest was Richie Carr who was like the rock of Gibraltar in defence and he the work rate of a seaside donkey.
Man of the match Richie Carr

The TWA Tea award went to Geoff Hennessey for his first class impression of a Hamster in a cage !!

Team: 1. Pete OLSON (7) 2. Geoff HENNESSEY (7) .3 Paul CHALONER (7) 4. Richie CARR (9) 5. Steve HALLIWELL (7) 6. Hugh BIRKDALE (7) 7. Paul JONES 7 8. Matt WILLIAMS (7) 9. Ady ROBERTS (7) 10. Matt DAVIES (7) 11. Chris C 8
Subs: 12. Graham SUTCLIFE (7) 14. Richie LLOYD (7) 15. Luke PEATE (7)