West Bridgford 1 v Gedling Miners Welfare 2 by John Burns

No Reward for a Better Performance

It was an ideal scenario that saw manager Richie Holmes pit his wits and team against Gedling and Chris Marks and Stuart Robinson our former management team.
It was not the best of afternoons weather-wise but the referee was happy to start the game with the pitch heavy under foot and the rain falling. The 1st half was an end to end affair with Bridgford showing more enterprise than of late and Will Daley looking lively down the right. Our midfield bolstered by the return of Will Heath, Tomi Jaiyeola and Ross Haig. It was good to see the returning
stalwart Tom Coole on the bench..
Bridgford saw some good 1st half saves from keeper Danny Rigley, who was replacing the unavailable Sam Clarke. Despite the fact Bridgford also had few clearcut chances, the half looked destined for 0 – 0 score until, with a minute to go, Connor Croft scored with a low shot from inside the box.
The 2nd half saw the home side introduce new signing Akim Akinbinu. His pace began to trouble Gedling but try as they might the home side found the Gedling defence resolute. Despite Bridgford playing some of their best football of the season they could not find a way through. It was Gedling who increased their lead in the 72nd minute when Croft added a 2nd goal for Gedling with another low, hard shot from a cross.
Tom Coole came on for Ant Willey and in 84th minute Will Davey beat giant keeper Danny Brown from long range. This gave the home side the glimmer of a chance but despite late efforts from Coole , Akinbinu and Jurgen Charlseworth, Gedling held out and the home side were unable to get a deserved share of the points.