Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane Aquaforce 4-2 Gresley FC
Gavin Allott was in fine form for Shaw Lane Aquaforce
Shaw Lane Aquaforce remain on the tails of runaway leaders Stafford Rangers after a fairly straight-forward win over Gresley in Barnsley.
Aquaforce took visiting Gresley apart in the first half and should have scored more than four. To Gresley’s credit, they came out out for the second half far more organised and deserved their two goals.
Had Gresley shown up in the first half, it may have been a different story. The visitors were woeful and Aquaforce took full advantage. James Walshaw set the home side on their way with a beautiful weighted strike from the left-side of the penalty area.
Gav Allott then played a delicate one-two with Lee Bennett for the second goal. Gresley’s defence parted open and Bennett walked into the box and poked a low effort past Rob Peet.
Allott had a say in three of the goals as his cross was then turned home by Gresley captain Jamie Barrett. The final goal of the half came courtesy of Oscar Radford’s cross which Allott rose to head home.
Gresley kept Aquaforce waiting for some time as the crowd took their places for the second half. Manager Gary Ricketts made two changes and obviously told his players some home truths because they were much better.
The warning signs had been there before the wet conditions played a major part in Albert Lansdowne’s swerving long range effort deceiving Shaw Lane goalkeeper Tom Morgan.
Martin Smyth then set up a fairly nervy finish after some hard work from Jordan Ball kept the ball in play.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott:
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Morgan, Stohrer, Radford, Istead (Priestley 65), Meynell (captain), Dempsey, Wafula, Hands, Allott (S Bennett 75), Walshaw, L Bennett. Sub unused: O’Brien.
Gresley FC: Peet (Cottrell HT), Roome, Harrison, Carlisle, Guy, King, Smyth, Barratt (captain), Landsdowne, Ball, Richards (Street HT). Sub unused: Slater.
Referee: Steven Meredith
Ref Rating: 5/10
Attendance: 108
Man of the match: Gav Allott (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)