On a very wet and windy afternoon Leek Town took on Derbyshire team Gresley Rovers for a FA Cup Preliminary round at the Moat Ground, Church Gresley.

The Blues knew the visit to the Moatmen would be a challenging opening FA Cup game for them, the home team near the top of the United Counties Premier League North and coming in with a strong preseason. A good crowd of 244 saw a lively encounter with some controversial decisions, though Leek were dominant through much of the ninety minutes, with two fine goals from Olly Harrison and Danny Trickett-Smith ensuring that the Blues go into the FA Cup draw for the next round on Monday.

For this FA Cup Preliminary match, Leek Town manager Neil Baker gave starts to Jesse Bavanganga, Lewis Short, Sam Booth and Scott Wara.

Both teams started brightly, but it was the Blues that almost struck first, when on 7 minutes, winger Saxon beat offside and crossed to Trickett- Smith whose shot was saved well by Rovers keeper, Penney. Then an injury to Lewis Short on 21 minutes meant Olly Putnam came on for Leek Town. As the Blues started to control possession, central defender Harrison, scored with a great header on 41 minutes from a well taken corner by Keenan, a great goal,1-0 to Leek Town.

Almost on half time, came possibly the most controversial moments of the match, Zach Clarke nearly scored with a tap in close to the Gresley goal that was blocked by the arm of Rovers right back George Clark, referee Stephen Davies after consulting with his linesman awarded a penalty to Leek. The referee decided to book the Rovers number 2 defender and not red card him. Then came another discussion point over half time when Trickett-Smith coolly slotted the penalty for the Blues, Gresley keeper Penney protested that the Leek forward had illegally double kicked the penalty strike, slipping and touching it with his other foot. After initially awarding the goal for the Blues, referee Davies again consulted his linesman and reversed his decision, no goal.

HT Gresley Rovers 0 - Leek Town 1

As the second half started, Leek now literally faced up the hill and into the rain, however they immediately went on the attack, their midfield of Reeves and Grocott becoming dominant with a high press. A good chance to get a second goal soon came to Blues defender Wara, but he failed to score with a powerful header and it was still 1-0 to Leek.

Then on 66 minutes, Gresley forwards Munday and Briscoe combined well and when Leek failed to clear the ball, a fine shot from Lee hit the Blues post, so nearly an equaliser for the home team.

As the second half developed, again it was Trickett-Smith prominent and on 76 minutes he struck a fantastic left footed strike that beat the Gresley defence as well as the keeper, a wonder strike, Leek Town 2-0.

The Blues tried hard to get another goal and Reeves had two great chances to beat Gresley’s Penney from the edge of the box but the ball just went over the bar, somehow the Blues could not get that third goal.

In the final minutes of the second half, it was end to end play from both teams. A change came late on from Leek Town manager Baker with Wakefield coming on as a substitute for Saxon. Soon after, referee Davies blew the whistle, a positive win for Leek Town against tough opponents in good home form.

FT Gresley Rovers 0 – Leek Town 2

Manager Neil Baker said after the match “In such poor weather and playing away, it was always going to be a tough match and I think though Gresley played really we created some very good chances throughout the match. I now look forward to our next NPL match. I wish Gresley Rovers all the best for the season”.

Leek Town will now move on to their next match home to Runcorn Linnets, in the Pitching In NPL West on Friday 27th August 7.45 kick off

FT Leek Town 2 – Trafford 2

REPORT BY LUKE REYNOLDS

Leek Town line up as follows

1. Booth
2. Bavanganga
3. Keenan
4. Grocott (c)
5. Harrison
6. Wara
7. Short replaced by Putnam (21)
8. Reeves
9. Clarke
10. Trickett-Smith
11. Saxon replaced by Wakefield (80)
Starman : Danny Trickett-Smith

Substitutes : Bell, Chadwick, Grice, Roberts
Attendance : 244 approx

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