EMCL - Gedling Miners Welfare 0-1 Ashby Ivanhoe

Gedling Miners Welfare ………….. 0
Ashby Ivanhoe ………………………... 1 (Sykes 83’)
(HT 0-0)

Ashby Ivanhoe were the final visitors to Plains Road on Saturday afternoon as Gedling Miners Welfare’s East Midlands Counties League season came to its close. They travelled having only won one once in their last 8 and face a huge backlog of fixtures where they are scheduled to play a possible 8 games in May, including a league cup quarter final against Anstey Nomads. The hosts have faced an indifferent season under title winners Stuart Robinson and Chris Marks’ stewardship, but come into proceedings having defeated Holwell Sports 3-2 in the week, and beat Ivanhoe 1-0 in the reverse fixture in November.

In the belting heat, the game started with a pre-season friendly feel to it, similar to the game just before Christmas. Both sides, unsurprisingly, were reluctant to exert any real form of energy and a lot of passes began to go astray as the game struggled to show any real quality. On the 5th minute, Dwayne Brown was the first to trouble Nik Ivanov in the away goal, but his effort was comfortable for the ‘keeper. Arguably, Gedling were the better team but as the minutes ticked, the game failed to put those in attendance on the edge of their seats as those exposed to the sun headed for shade.

On the pitch, leading goalscorer Jack Jepson looked to add to his seasons tally but his effort after 9 minutes was straight at the hesitant Ivanov who collected at the second attempt. 5 minutes later, Jepson again went on the search for his 22nd of the season, but his effort curled wide as Gedling looked to end the season on a high.

However, despite early chances, both teams were culpable of poor football and they were unable to make it stick, contrary what the weather was doing. Final balls were lacking and both defences found it easy to mute any attacking threat as the half dwindled into very little. Josh Matkin registered his team’s first effort at Danny Brown’s so far untroubled goal but, after Angus Blair-Park did well to dispossess Aboubacar Sylla in the middle of the park, his volley went sailing over the bar.

The opportunity somewhat sparked Ashby who became the better team. They often found themselves in promising attacking positions and Gedling were frequently exposed as the back when they ventured forward. With a typical end-of-season feel to proceedings, Brown went close again at the other end but he snatched at the opportunity. The game was starting to open up as both sides, succumbing to the heat and humidity, became tired in their approach. Jimmy Spiers, performing well, stung Ivanov’s hands as, again, he collected second time around. Just before the half, Jepson let off rasping drive toward goal but this time the away custodian, busy in the first half, collected well.

Whilst the first half produced some noteworthy action, the second couldn’t live up to the same promise. Both sides struggled to trouble their counterparts and the football on show was poor. 5 minutes after the break, Danny Pass’ effort, whilst catching it sweetly, lacked any real power that would trouble the Ashby goal.

That opportunity came and went as both sides failed to register a single shot as the half went on amidst a host of substitutions by both sides, and it took until the 83rd minute for the next opportunity to arrive but it benefited the visitors in the best way. After fine intricate football down the left hand side between Blair-Park and Nathan Banton, the latter drove toward the edge of the area and cleverly found the onrushing full-back Chris Sykes who slotted the ball home from an angle via the inside of the post. A fine goal that Ivanhoe deserved for battling resiliently all afternoon and a fine finish for Sykes who was impressive on the day.

As the game, and season, ticked toward its end Gedling failed to trouble the away side and it was one of their easier afternoons experienced all campaign and, although in relegation danger, gained a deserved 3 points as they look to push themselves toward the middle of the standings with still 6 league games to play.

On the other hand, a disappointing result and performance for Miners who will finish in 10th position this season should Clifton All Whites drop further points in their remaining 3 fixtures. After a managerial change last summer, it sees us end the season in the highest league position managed in at least the last 4 East Midlands Counties League campaigns. We await the news to see if our efforts of 62 points in 40 games will be enough for entry into the FA Cup qualifying rounds for next season.

On behalf of Gedling Miners Welfare, we would like to thank the fans, players, and management for their committed support and efforts this season and we hope to welcome you all to Plains Road next season. We wish you all well for the summer months.

Match Attendance – 67

Referee – Mr. Kelvin Wilson
Assistant Referees – Mr. Scott Anderson and Mr. Derek Spray

Gedling Miners Welfare – Danny Brown, Joe Evans, Luke Smith, Adam Morley, Charlie Roberts, Ross McCaughey (Stuart Robinson 80’), Dwayne Brown (Ryan Plummer 45’), Jimmy Spiers (c), Jack Jepson, Danny Pass (Chris Marks 67’), Aboubacar Sylla
Unused Substitutes – Jordan Whitehead

Ashby Ivanhoe – Nik Ivanov, Chris Sykes (Nathan Banton 80’), Alex Ford, Joe Lindley, Dan Tunnock, Josh Matkin, Trafford Pickering, Harry Stewart, Dan Matkin (Sam Beck 70’), Angus Blair-Park (Jack Robinson 77’), Conrad Turner
Cautions – Ivanov (foul 22’), Tunnock (foul 88’)