Delight in Derbyshire.

Manager Simpson included himself in the side after injuries to defenders Courtney Bartley and Roderick Maveso for only his second appearance of the season. Back from his 2 match ban came striker Tony Law to lead the line. Finally, there was also a change in goal with Scott Miles returning for Max Danby.

So Gedling lined up with Scott Miles in goal, a back three of Jonathan Simpson, Man of the match Steven Brett and Anthony Brown. A midfield five of Harry Simpson, Captain Kelvin Mushambi, Tom Macdonald, Joe Hopper and Alex Clarson. Finally up top Jack Hopper and Tony Law.

Apologies for the short report, Ian is away yet again tasting the Liverpool nightlife with his ex-forces association. However he should be back to report on the League Cup quarter Final replay away at Radcliffe Olympic this coming Tuesday.

In Baltic conditions even by the usually cold Holbrook’s standards Gedling started brightly with several raids down the slope causing the Holbrook defence all sorts of problems. Gedling should have taken the lead before they did with one on one chance’s falling to Tony Law twice, Alex Clarson, Tom Macdonald and Jack Hopper each time the impressive Holbrook keeper produced saves with his hands, feet and body to keep his side in the game. The break-through came midway through the half when a long punt up field by keeper Scott Miles bounced over the head of the Holbrook centre half, leaving Tony Law again in a one on one with the keeper, this time he made on mistake slotting home from 12 yards. This was no more than the away side deserved, however opinion amongst those watching considered it would not be enough against a Holbrook side who know how to play the slope in the second half.

As expected Holbrook started strongly in the second half and threw everything at Gedling, they changed their formation to put three up top and launched long high balls into the Gedling box. Gedling extended their lead on 55 minutes after some great work down the right from Harry Simpson and Tony law released Tom Macdonald to jink past a couple of challenges before playing in Jack Hopper and getting smashed at the same time. Hopper coolly placed the ball past the keeper for his 5th goal of the season.

Holbrook got the break though on the hour when poor defending left Manager Simpson completely exposed against the impressive Holbrook number 9 who skipped past the manager’s challenge at slotted a fierce shot past the despairing dive of the Gedling keeper.

Scott Miles was now being kept busy in the Gedling goal and produced an excellent double save on 65 minutes when Holbrook looked odds on to score. Gedling decided to change their formation a little to try to stem the Holbrook threat, reverting to a 451 with the introduction of Mitch Slawson for Jack Hopper and Harry Simpson returning to his familiar role at left back. As the game reached its conclusion it was real backs to the wall defending now and trying to hit Holbrook on the break, however Gedling did get over the line with a 2-1 victory which is a great achievement for any team coming to Shaw Lane and no more than they deserved.

Well-done boys and sets us up very nicely for our Tuesday night trip to Radcliffe Olympic in the cup.