Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane AFC 5-3 Gresley FC
Gavin Allott (right) ripped Gresley to pieces in Shaw Lane’s 5-3 win. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Leaders Shaw Lane bounced back from the midweek defeat at title rivals Witton Albion with a very easy win over Gresley in Barnsley.
The only disappointment was the fact they conceded three goals again after Gavin Allott (2), Gary Burnett, Ryan Qualter and Spencer Harris had blown the visitors away.
Considering Shaw Lane had the best defensive record in the country two weeks ago, it has been a strange week for the Ducks.
The main thing was the victory though. Gresley were easy meat. Chance after chance flowed in the opening gambits – Shaw Lane had shots saved and they also hit the crossbar.
A foul on Alex Byrne in the 17th minute opened the floodlights as Allott converted the penalty.
Allott’s perseverance then forced a mistake from Gresley goalkeeper Rob Peet, who once played under Craig Elliott at Ossett Town, and Burnett scored into an empty net from distance.
Two soon became three as Ducks captain Ryan Qualter rose well to head home Ben Algar’s delightful free kick.
If there was any doubt where the points were heading, there wasn’t straight after half-time when Bryne’s great run down the right ended with a fine finish from Harris.
A great free kick from Ben Harris reduced the deficit on the hour before the brilliant Allott grabbed his second after breaking clear on goal.
The gloss was taken off though in the final few minutes when Alvin Jarvis and Reece Morris scored close range chances for Gresley.
What They Said
Shaw Lane AFC manager Craig Elliott
The Team
Shaw Lane AFC: Stewart, Austin, Algar, Lenighan (Stevenson 60), Qualter (captain), Byrne, Harris (Thomas 70), Allott, Kieron Lugsden, Burnett (Wafula 77), Kelvin Lugsden. Subs unused: Radford, Zanwieski.