Gedling 1 West Bridgford 0 by John Burns

Promising Signs

Manager Richie Holmes must be pulling his hair out. He still cannot put out a settled team with striker Joshua Kwadu again missing through injury and centre back Ben Windridge with a family bereavement. Debuts were given to Dan Hudson and Joss Carter with Joe Phillips returning.
The omens did not look good when keeper Danny Rigley was taken ill in the pre-match warm up and was replaced by Sam Clarke. Manager Holmes pre-match team talk had the desired response as Bridgford took on Gedling now managed by Chris Marks and Stuart Robinson and with Steve Astill as coach; all previously with Bridgford. Their team also included ex Bridgford players Heltorp, Spiers, Plummer and Charlesworth.
The 1st half saw bright football from both sides. The Bridgford defence looked solid with keeper Clarke taking his chance and with Dave Erentz and Joe Phillips looking dominant. Both sides created chances with Jack Jepson prominent for Gedling. Jack Gray and Ellis Reid had chances for Bridgford and Dave Erentz was booked for a challenge on Ryan Plummer. Just before half time Josh Carter was brought down in the area. Up stepped Reid to take the spot kick but only succeeded in scaring 15 pigeons on a nearby roof. The half ended 0-0.
The 2nd half was again end to end and Gedling were looking rattled and brought on all 3 substitutes. Bridgford seemed to have the game in control but a rare mistake in the 77th minute saw Jepson run through to net for a Gedling lead with the Bridgford defence convinced there should have been an offside flag. Bridgford rallied and Joss Carter struck the crossbar. Luck was not on Bridgford’s side losing by that one goal.
Richie Holmes was disappointed with the result but was encouraged by his team’s performance. Debutants Hudson and Carter gave a good account of themselves but Josh Kwadu was missed. Holmes is hopeful that 5 new signings will bolster his squad and with a number of young players coming through the corner may soon be turned.