A 29 mile trip today to Church Gresley, South Derbyshire, population 5000. Its a proper ground, in the heart of the town, surrounded by terraced houses.
The pitch looks to be on a slope, Gresley have wind advantage first half. They have just sold leading scorer Aaron O'Connor to Conference side Grays and have yet to sign a replacement.
Bamber Bridge, from Preston, are a young side, and one or two of their boys look like they have been on Max and Paddy's sunbed at the The Phoenix Club. We stand behind the dugout, Bamber's manager, Phil Entwhistle is of razor sharp wit. He spends most of the first half exchanging banter with Rovers coach Tony Hemmings.
The first half is a lacklustre affair, both teams keep it on the deck, but there is no cutting edge. We are amused by Gresley forward Liam Hebberd, son of Trevor, the Derby and Southampton midfielder. He only seems to come alive with the ball at his feet. I've seen more movement from Nelson's Column! He is complaining of back pains, and resembles something of a Sunday morning pub player, shirt out his shorts and socks rolled down the obligatory blond bleached hair. Poser I think they call it.
0-0 at the break. Gresley are proud of their history, they played at Wembley back in 1991 drawing 4-4 with Guiseley, only to lose the replay. It's because I'm reading all this that I miss the game's opening goal scored 15 seconds from the restart by Gresley forward Edwards.
The game comes to life, Bamber are hanging on and survive a few scares. Gradually they inch there way back into the game, they are stronger, Mahoney is bossing the midfield and never wastes a ball. A quick exchange of passes leaves Bridge striker Salmon in the clear, his drive is beaten away by Rovers keeper Whittle only for the sun tanned winger Porter to slam in the rebound. 1-1.
Ryan Salmon, the Bamber forward, oozes class and it is he who heads home the winner following terrific skill by Porter on the wing.
A comedy moment to end, when Gresley's Woolley is sent off following a swallow dive in the Bamber box. Gresley can consider themselves unlucky, but Bamber finish the stronger..
Gresley Rovers 1 Edwards Bamber Bridge 2 Porter and Salmon.
The pitch looks to be on a slope, Gresley have wind advantage first half. They have just sold leading scorer Aaron O'Connor to Conference side Grays and have yet to sign a replacement.
Bamber Bridge, from Preston, are a young side, and one or two of their boys look like they have been on Max and Paddy's sunbed at the The Phoenix Club. We stand behind the dugout, Bamber's manager, Phil Entwhistle is of razor sharp wit. He spends most of the first half exchanging banter with Rovers coach Tony Hemmings.
The first half is a lacklustre affair, both teams keep it on the deck, but there is no cutting edge. We are amused by Gresley forward Liam Hebberd, son of Trevor, the Derby and Southampton midfielder. He only seems to come alive with the ball at his feet. I've seen more movement from Nelson's Column! He is complaining of back pains, and resembles something of a Sunday morning pub player, shirt out his shorts and socks rolled down the obligatory blond bleached hair. Poser I think they call it.
0-0 at the break. Gresley are proud of their history, they played at Wembley back in 1991 drawing 4-4 with Guiseley, only to lose the replay. It's because I'm reading all this that I miss the game's opening goal scored 15 seconds from the restart by Gresley forward Edwards.
The game comes to life, Bamber are hanging on and survive a few scares. Gradually they inch there way back into the game, they are stronger, Mahoney is bossing the midfield and never wastes a ball. A quick exchange of passes leaves Bridge striker Salmon in the clear, his drive is beaten away by Rovers keeper Whittle only for the sun tanned winger Porter to slam in the rebound. 1-1.
Ryan Salmon, the Bamber forward, oozes class and it is he who heads home the winner following terrific skill by Porter on the wing.
A comedy moment to end, when Gresley's Woolley is sent off following a swallow dive in the Bamber box. Gresley can consider themselves unlucky, but Bamber finish the stronger..
Gresley Rovers 1 Edwards Bamber Bridge 2 Porter and Salmon.
Man of the Match Daniel Mahoney, Bamber Bridge No.8
4 comments:
stickypalms,
ive been waiting for your latest blog to see where you went last weekend.
good blog but you let yourself down with no detail of the gresley goal, very unprofessional. lets hope you and your muppet friend pay attention next week.
Meck, I am afraid the clown I take with me was pointing out that Mark Blount of Gresley Rovers had a big money move to Sheffield Utd a few years ago, and we were both admiring the picture of him signing on the pitch, in the social club, when there was a huge roar from outside and we had missed the goal. Doh!!
Mr palms
I have just seen your blog of the Gresley v Brig. game & must say it is the most accurate post i have ever read
all the best
Roy (Brigger)
Dear Ground Hopper your post regarding the Gresley v Bamber Bridge game was fair and accurate. If you would like to impress the Bamber Bridge fans next time you post please refer to the team as 'Brig'and NOT Bamber!
Keep up nthe good work.
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