Gedling MWFC 1 Holwell Sports FC 0

Gedling Miners ……..1 Holwell Sports FC….…0
(Anthony Brown 75)

The ten Miners hang on for a fine victory

An early blow for the Miners as influential midfielder Luke Stanley was ruled out, possibly for up six weeks, with a kneecap injury. Tom Macdonald slotted into midfield alongside Joe Hopper for his season’s debut.

All the early play was from the home side and Ricky Law went close with a free kick as early as the 5th minute when brother Tony was upended just outside the box. The latter then had a fine effort easily caught by Richard Cragg.

Controversy in the 16th minute. Jostling together at a set piece, Tony Law and visiting centre back Stuart Rose had a coming together and after consulting his assistant, Mr Webb sent of Law for violent conduct. Quite how Rose stayed on the pitch for his undoubted part in the incident remains a mystery. Suffice to say that he was hauled off some 13 minutes later by his Management team to prevent further misdemeanours.

Sports tried hard to make the one man deficit pay but most of their efforts were from distance. Ricky Law then supplied a cute cross from the left with which Jevon Seaton grazed the post. Hopper then tried his luck and Ricky Law and Seaton had decent efforts saved. Although the Miners continued to make inroads in the Holwell defence it was the away side who had the best chance of the game. A minute before the break Kieron Foster had a glorious chance to open the scoring when put clean through from a fine run and cross from Jim Hallam. His tame effort was shot straight at Danby and the danger cleared.

The second half started in a similar vein and Gedling had two fine efforts cleared away before Harry Stannard threatened for Sports. Ian Wells was just off target for the visitors, but the Miners were easily in control of the game due to sheer guts and determination, not allowing the fact they were are man down.

In the 74th minute the home side were in front. Concerted pressure down the left flank by Harry Simpson and Hopper paid off when Steven Brett crossed a head high cross into the box teasing Cragg. Defender Anthony Brown up from his defensive duties stooped low to head past Cragg. Minutes later sub Reece Campbell had a glorious chance to increase the lead with a ‘one on one’ with Cragg but somehow the ball was frantically cleared away.

Alex Clarson, on his debut, produced a sublime piece of skill to deceive full back Dean Randell only to see his goal bound chip turned over by Cragg. The home side held out despite some late pressure from Sports and the deserved win was duly recorded.

A fine, fine display by the whole squad wearing Yellow and Blue who played some superb football at times, mainly due to a fine defensive effort including the second clean sheet of the campaign, some gutsy play by the defensive quartet and a non-stop performance from the front players.

Tom Macdonald ~ Superb second half performance

Att ~ 79 Referee ~ David Webb Assistants ~ Steven Sears and Mike Precious

Gedling MW ~ Max Danby (GK), Courtney Bartley, Harry Simpson, Anthony Brown, Steven Brett, Kelvin Mushambi (C),Tony Law, Joe Hopper, (Alex Clarson 79), Tom Macdonald, Ricky Law, (Kamil Hayles 61), Jevon Seaton ,(Reece Campbell 75) ,Subs not used ~ Jack Hopper, Jordan Whitehead. Red Card ~ Tony Law (16 Violent conduct) Yellow card ~ Ricky Law (59 foul)

Holwell Sports ~ Cragg (GK) Hallam, Randall, Stannard, Rose (Wilding 29) Hibbit, Stevenson (C) Wells (Calver 75) Foster, Williams (Hazeldine 75) Yellow cards ~ Rose (16 retaliation) Foster 51 foul) Hibbit (81 foul)