The Pride of South Derbyshire

10th June 2012

Norton Calls Time At Moat

Gary Norton (with scarf) celebrates winning the Midlands Alliance with his staff last season.

Gresley have today parted company with long time club servant Gary Norton by mutual consent.
Norton spent six years playing for the clubs predecessors Gresley Rovers before their liquidation, he also managed the reserve side before eventually being appointed first team manager in August 2003, a post he held right up until Rovers's dying day in 2009.
A firm fan favourite, Norton was immediately asked to take charge of the phoenix club, Gresley FC who rose from the ashes of bankrupt Rovers. Since their inaugural season in the East Midlands Counties League, the Moatmen have climbed the league ladder, winning two promotions in three seasons under the guidance of Norton and his assistant Martin Rowe.

However as ever family comes first, Norton has been forced to resign his position at the Moat Ground ahead of the clubs first season in the Evo-Stik First Division South due to a promotion at his day job with Rolls Royce forcing him to take on extra hours at the luxury car manufacturer. the 38 year old had this to say; "I have loved every minute of my thirteen years with the club, it is with a very heavy heart that I have to leave, however I have a young family and I have to put them first and take paid employment. Everything is in place for the club to continue their ascent back up the league and I will be keeping a close eye out for them, I wish to thank all the staff, players and fans who gave me so many fantastic memories down the years and wish the club the best of luck for the future."

It is unclear as to who might take up the reigns in South Derbyshire, Martin Rowe is sure to be amongst the front runners after serving as Norton's assistant throughout the past three years, Gareth Holmes, a former Rovers player who is now head of youth development at local rivals Burton Albion is also said to be a contender for the role.

13th June 2012

Gresley Appoint Unknown

Gresley FC have shocked their supporters by appointing an unknown 25 year old as the clubs new manager.
Local resident Richard Beale will take up the reigns at the Moat ground ahead of the clubs first season in Evo-Stik D1S which gets under way in just six weeks time.
Birmingham born Beale, who's only experience in football comes from a brief stint with Gresley's divisional rivals Sutton Coldfield Town as a teenager before a recurring knee injury put paid to his playing career.
Beale holds a coaching qualification which has enabled him to accept the job from Gresley chairman Barry North, whom it is understood Beale is a close acquaintance of.

Can the youngster follow on from the popular Gary Norton who lead the club to two consecutive promotions? Only time will tell, but on things for certain, the pressure will really be on Beale to succeed, and perhaps even more so on North for taking such a risk.

Gresley are pleased to announce the capture of 19 year old goalkeeper Danny Hancock on free transfer.
Danny joins the Moatmen after being released from League Two side Rotherham this summer, he failed to make a senior appearance for the Millers after coming through the youth ranks at the New York stadium but comes highly recommended, attracting the attention of several conference sides such as local rivals Nuneaton and Tamworth amongst others.

The youngster has however decided to agree terms here at the Moat and in doing so becomes new manager Richard Beale's first signing since taking over the hot seat from Gary Norton last week.
Despite Hancock's reputation he can expect to face stiff competition from club captain Gary Hateley for the number one jersey as well as emerging 20 year old George Woodward who has been made available for loan this season.

Gresley kicked off their pre-season schedule with a win over Shepshed at the Dovecote ground this afternoon.
The Moatmen made the short hop across the county border into Leicestershire for what has become a traditional friendly with Dynamo with the home side going into the fixture having won two of the three encounters since 2009.
The Moatmen were able to even the score today thanks to a Richard Hanslow volley ten minutes from time, the striker was well position to guide Kyle Bryant's looping cross past Dynamo keeper Andrew Nicoli with a deft touch, giving the travelling supporters something to cheer in an otherwise drab friendly.

This game marked the first match under new Moatmen manager Richard Beale who was seen stalking the touchline throughout the fixture, barking out orders to his new charges, including new goalkeeper Danny Hancock who was part of Beale's full change over at half time, the 19 year old didn't really get a chance to exhibit his skills in this game however as Gresley were in full control and allowed Dynamo very little time on the ball throughout.
Next up for Gresley is a National Forest Charity cup game with Ellistown with the winner advancing to the final to face either Ibstock United or Borrowash Victoria.

Gresley First Half XI:


Second Half XI:

Gresley eased into the final of the Forest Charity cup this afternoon with a convincing victory over East Mildlands Counties League side Ellistown.
The home side exercised full control over the tie as they made the two division gap between the two clubs show, the first goal arrived after 25 minutes when the Leicestershire side failed to adequately clear a Micky Lyons corner, the loose ball was swept home elegantly by Marc Goodfellow with a half volley from just within the area.

The second arrived in bizzare circumstances twelve minutes later, full back Matthew Roome's long ball forward looked to be bouncing harmlessly through to Ellistown keeper Chic Glover, however the goalkeeper appeared to panic when closed down by Jordan Nadat, becoming trapped in two minds as to whether he should pick the ball up or allow it to dribble out for a goal kick, in the end he elected to allow the ball to go out, however Nadat managed to prevent the ball from crossing the line before firing in from a narrow angle with the dismayed goalkeeper helplessly out of position.
The Coalville based side thought they had a goal back just before the break when forward Dominic Thorpe glanced a header from Adriano Patel's cross past Gary Hateley in the Gresley goal, however the linesman had raised his flag.

Richard Beale's men effectively ended the tie two minutes into the second period when Kyle Bryant cut into the oppositions box from his wide right position before teeing up Louis Hamilton (No relation to the formula one star) to fire past Glover and make it 3-0.
Phil Massingham was denied a goal by the upright on the hour mark, however the Moatmen did eventually make it four with 15 minutes left on the clock when Dean Rathbone was allowed a free header from Jamie Barrett's corner.

This win sets up a clash with Borrowash Victoria in tomorrow afternoons final after the Vic's also triumphed 4-0 in their game with Ibstock this morning.

Gresley First Half XI:


Second Half XI:

Gresley continued their trophy winning ways this evening by adding to the Midlands Alliance title and Coalville Charity cup wins last May, collecting the National Forest Charity cup after a entertaining game with Borrowash.
The Vic's had maintained a statistical advantage in terms of possession throughout the game but were unable to turn that possession into goals as a clinical Gresley front line seized upon their chances to secure the first silverware of the season for the Moatmen.

Richard Beale's men were ahead after just two minutes when Victoria didn't do enough to scramble man of the match winner Aaron Dillon's speculative deep cross away, a mistake that striker Royce Turville was only too happy to capitalise on as he swept the lose ball across Vic's keeper Peter Beattie and into the the net
Jordan Nadat was inches away from doubling the lead almost immediately from the restart when Turville dragged the ball back for his strike partner who was lurking almost on the penalty spot, only for the former Reddich United man to fire past Beattie's far post.
However the two goal advantage did materialise in the eleventh minute when Micky Lyons dropped his corner perfectly onto the head of Dillon who was lurking at the near post, the winger had a simple header while not being put under any disearnable pressure by the Borrowash defence.

The cup was secured in the 67th minute when Dean Rathbone's inch perfect through ball set away Phil Massingham, the big target man made no mistake in firing hard and low across Beattie to ensure his side would be collecting the trophy after the final whistle. Borrowash did manage a late consolation through Earl Shelley but their hopes had long been extinguished.
Moatmen fans will be hoping this trophy marks the first of many under new manager Beale as he gears up for his first campaign in South Derbyshire. Gresley's pre-season campaign continues next with a visit from nearby Conference side Nuneaton Town.

Gresley First Half XI:


Second Half XI:

Good start, what are your aims for the long term?

1st August 2012

Beale To Use Clough And Brewers As Model For Success

Gresley FC manager Richard Beale today for the first time gave a clear indication of his ambition for the club.
Speaking exclusively to you Burton Mail, Beale revealed he would be using former Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and England forward Nigel Clough's time managing our very own Burton Albion.

Clough spent eleven years with the Brewers between 1998 and 2009 before moving on to bigger things with Derby County, the side his father Brian managed to the First division title back in 1972.
During his time at Albion, Clough junior plotted the clubs rise from the Southern Premier League into the Conference, he left the club to join Derby 13 points clear at the top of the Conference and well on their way to their first ever season in the Football League. Clough also oversaw Albion's move from Eton Park to the Pirelli stadium as well as taking charge of the clubs now famous 0-0 draw with Manchester United in the 2005/06 FA cup, the Brewers took 11,000 fans with them to the subsequent replay which is still an Old Trafford record, they left disappointed as their side was pulled apart 5-0 but none the less the town is still rightly proud of their club for their heroics in the first game.

Beale says that he is targeting similar success with his Gresley side within a similar time frame and admits he would relish a league meeting with Albion somewhere down the line.

Gresley FC earned a respectable draw with Conference side Nuneaton at the Moat Ground today as manager Richard Beale tries to decide upon his strongest line up ahead of the new season.
The Warwickshire visitors took the lead with fifteen minutes played, striker Kyle Perry sliding in to convert Adam Walker's low cross.
Undeterred, Evo-Stik league side Gresley struck back twelve minutes later when a high ball into the Town area from fullback Matthew Roome picked out Royce Turville who deftly guided the ball beyond the despairing dive of Town keeper Ben MacNamara to equalise.

As the game wore on Gresley became the side in control and looked far more dangerous in attack than their counterparts who sit for steps on the league ladder above the Derbyshire club, a red card for Town's Somalian midfielder Abdul Said further stretched the Conference side as the Moatmen pushed for a winner. ultimately that winner did not come but Gresley manager Richard Beale can take a lot of positives from his sides performance this afternoon as they gear up for the final pre-season game against local amateurs Stapenhill before the big curtain riser against Market Drayton Town two weeks from now.

In other news Gresley have been drawn to face Southern Division side Chertsey Town in the preliminary round of the FA cup which will be played at the Surrey outfits Alwyns Lane ground on the 15th of September.


Gresley First Half XI:


Second Half XI:

Gresley completed their pre-season preparations by claiming victory over Leicestershire senior league neighbours Stapenhill on the banks of the River Trent this afternoon.
The game however was certainly not one for neutrals who may have been hoping for a flowing game between two sides who share many alumni, they were however only treated to a single shot on target from either side in a thoroughly lacklustre game in front of just 85 spectators, many of whom left early after witnessing the dreary display in front of them.
In the end Phil Massingham's 52nd minute strike was all the game had to offer, the big forward latching onto Jamie Barretts through ball before clipping the ball over the Swans keeper and into the net.

The Moatmen must now switch their attention to the visit of Market Drayton Town next week as they begin their first campaign in the Evo-Stik First Division before heading into Nottinghamshire to face Carlton Town.

Gresley First Half XI:


Second Half XI:

The Moatmen began the new season with a win after a battling performance got new manager Richard Beale off to a good start.
Beale surprised many by excluding the likes of Mickey Lyons, James Jepson, Gary Hateley and Jordan Nadat from his starting eleven, although Lyons would later feature from the bench as a late substitute.
Danny Hancock made his Gresley début between the posts, as did Dean Rathbone in midfield.

The only goal of the match arrived with 35 minutes elapsed, Phil Massingham prodding the ball through to strike partner Royce Turville, the former Heather St. Johns man skilfully jinked his way into the the Town box but was denied by a last gasp tackle from defender Jake McEanerny, fortunately for Gresley Aaron Dillon was on hand to square the ball back to Turville to score from eight yards before McEanerny could regain his footing.

New signing Hancock had little to do throughout his Moatmen bow, he was however called upon suddenly midway through the second half when the Gingerbread men suddenly broke down the left flank which resulted in winger Andy Heald whipping an inviting ball across the Gresley box which prolific forward Neville Thompson needed no invitation to attack, the striker getting his head to the ball at point blank range which Hancock did magnificently to parry over his crossbar with an instinctual save.

Next up is a visit to Nottinghamshire based Carlton Town on Wednesday, the Millers suffered a 3-1 reverse at Loughborough Dynamo this afternoon and are sure to be hungry to register their first points of the season in front of their own supporters in midweek.

Gresley Starting XI:


Subs
12.Gary Hateley
14.Matthew Roome for #4 - 45 mins
15.Mickey Lyons for #8 - 86 mins
16.Jordi Gough
17.Jordan Nadat

Gresley emerged victorious after an absorbing game at the Bill Stokeld stadium this afternoon, with all five goals coming within the first half.
Gresley manager Richard Beale made four changes to the side which overcame Market Drayton in a narrow 1-0 victory with Matthew Roome, Michael Nottingham, Mickey Lyons and Jordan Nadat all coming in in place of Dan Douglas, Sam Woods, Dean Rathbone and Phil Massingham respectively.

It was Carlton who struck first after five minutes when Gresley defender Michael Nottingham didn't clear his lines quickly enough and was caught in possession by Millers striker Wes Henry who only had to divert the ball beyond goalkeeper Danny Hancock to give his side the advantage.
Gresley struck back quickly and were level within four minutes when a flowing team move was executed by winger Marc Goodfellow who found himself clean through on goal despite suspicions of offside, the former Stoke City and Burton Albion man deftly clipped the ball over the onrushing Millers goalkeeper Rob Murray to level the score.

It was 30 year old Goodfellow who nudged his side ahead just six minutes later when Gresley were awarded a freekick in a central position just outside the home sides box after Jordan Nadat was brought down by Millers defender Rob Darkin, Goodfellow curled his set piece beautifully into the far corner of Murray's net to send the visiting contingent wild.
Not to be outdone by Goodfellow's brace, Henry was soon celebrating his second also, the 19 year old heading in a pin point corner delivered by Dominic Marella in the 27th minute.

Gresley hero Goodfellow had to leave the field to be replaced by Jordi Gough in the 40th minute whilst clutching the back of his leg, thankfully for the Moatmen it seems the injury is not as serious as it first seemed and the winger should be available for selection in Saturdays FA cup qualifier with Heath Hayes.
Just as we looked to be heading into half time all square, Gresley struck again, this time Royce Turville getting on the end of a piercing through ball from Jamie Barrett and sliding his shot underneath Murray from the edge of the penalty area for his second goal of the season.

With the two sides perhaps feeling the effects of such a fast paced first half, the second proved a much tamer affair with very little in the way of clear cut chances as the visitors saw out the game with some neat possession football. This win sees Richard Beale's side sitting fourth after two games with a home clash with Derbyshire rival Mickleover sports next on the league calender for the Swadlincote side, before that however they must turn their attention to the FA cup and their preliminary round tie with another local side, Heath Hayes.


Gresley Starting XI:


Subs
12.Gary Hateley
14.Dan Douglas
15.Dean Rathbone
16.Jordi Gough - for #11, 40 mins
17.Phil Massingham

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Gresley's hopes of a cup run fell by the wayside at the first hurdle today against Midlands Alliance side Heath Hayes.
The two sides last locked horns last season with Gresley routing the Cannock side 4-1 and 7-0 in their two meetings, The Hayes took a measure of revenge by dumping the Moatmen out of the cup.
Richard Beale made a host of changes to the his starting line-up with several youngsters and débutantes amongst the ranks as well as old boys such as Gary Hateley getting a run out.

The home side had the first clear cut chance of the game when a veritable game of head tennis culminated in James Parsonage nodding the ball down, beating the dive of Hateley but Gresley defender Marc Stryzewski was able to hook the ball off the line to prevent his side falling behind.
The Moatmen would eventually take the lead mid way through the second half, Phil Massingham setting off on one of his trademark powerful drives into the box before flicking the ball up onto the head of the unmarked Richard Hanslow who had a simple header from six yards to put Gresley ahead.

Gresley's lead would only last two minutes, a horrendous mistake by Hateley gifted the Staffordshire side an equaliser, winger Ellis Love's long ball looked like being a routine catch for the experienced stopper, however the former Shepshed Dynamo man accidently carried the ball outside his area whilst gathering, realising his mistake he quickly dropped the ball but only into the path of substitute Kevin Fraser who probably didn't get a gift so generous last Christmas.
Things went from bad to worse for club captain Hateley with just six minutes left on the clock, although this time he was not to blame, a long ball out of the Hayes defence picked out Fraser who cleverly dummied his way into space on the right hand side of the penalty area where he unleashed a venomous shot across Hateley who was helpless to do anything but stand and watch the ball nestle in his net.
Beale threw on Marc Goodfellow and Dean Rathbone almost immediately as his side went into 4-3-3 formation to look for an equaliser and at least salvage a replay but it was not to be.

Beale used his post match interview to apologise to the travelling supporters who would have been hoping to have at least advanced through the preliminary rounds of the cup.
Next up for Gresley is an away day at Leek Town after the scheduled derby with Mickleover Sports was pushed back a fortnight due to Sports having to contend with a replay in their FA cup tie with Eccleshall.



Gresley Starting XI:


Subs
12.Danny Hancock
14.Matthew Roome
15.Dean Rathbone - for #6, 85mins
16.Marc Goodfellow - for #11, 85 mins
17.Jordan Nadat
18.Jamie Barrett
19.Adam Betteridge

It finished honours even between Leek Town and Gresley FC this afternoon, although the home side will likely be the happier of the two with a draw.
Gresley were looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat to Midlands Alliance side Heath Hayes in the FA Cup, manager Richard Beale named a full strength side after resting many of his stars against the Staffordshire club.

Aaron Dillon came closest to a first half goal when his 40 yard cross/shot thudded into the Leek upright to deny Gresley a spectacular opener. Marc Goodfellow's 54th minute strike certainly wasn't bad though, the winger who was being asked to play on the the right flank instead of his favoured left due to Dillon limping off just after half time. Goodfellow received the ball just outside the Leek area, pivoted on the ball before dispatching a wonderful curling effort into the top corner to give the Moatmen a deserved lead.
That lead lasted just four minutes however as Gresley's habbit of conceeding quickly after scoring continued, Max Hadrall backheeling the ball skillfully for Anthony Danylyk who had time to fire the ball across Danny Hancock and into the far corner.

A draw leaves Gresley unbeaten after three league games and sitting just inside the play-off places in fifth place as they prepare for the visit of the Worlds oldest football club, Sheffield FC on Tuesday evening. Leek meanwhile find themselves in 19th after two draws and a defeat from their opening three games.


Gresley Starting XI:


Subs
12.Gary Hateley
14.Michael Nottingham
15.Mickey Lyons for #11, 65 mins
16.Jordi Gough - for #7, 49 mins
17.Richard Hanslow for #9, 81 mins

Thanks mate, keep reading!

Thanks mate, keep reading!

Rick this is brilliant! The headers are brilliant

There was not much to get excited about in the former coal fields of South Derbyshire this afternoon as two of the leagues better footballing side struggled to really get going in a drab encounter.
With his side still fatigued from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Leek, Gresley manager Richard Beale was forced to make five changes to his starting eleven which included Jordi Gough and Mickey Lyons coming in for in form duo Dean Rathbone and Marc Goodfellow.
The only chance of real quality fell to the visitors shortly before half time when a cross/shot from full back Lee Featherstone threatened to drop into Danny Hancock's net, the goalkeeper however produced a fine save at full stretch to turn the ball round the post.

In the end neither side can have any complaints with a draw as neither pushed hard enough to snatch all three points, the Gresley supporters who managed to stay awake until the final whistle were probably already contemplating their upcoming derby game with Mickleover this weekend to amuse themselves through this dreary affair.



Gresley Starting XI:


Subs
12.Gary Hateley
14.Michael Nottingham
15.James Jepson
16.Dean Rathbone - for #8, 76 mins
17.Phil Massingham for #9, 80 mins

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Enjoying this Rick. KIU fella.

This all Derbyshire affair proved something of a mismatch as Gresley coasted to a convincing 3-0 win over one of their closest rivals.
Gresley manager Richard Beale made two changes to his side which drew 0-0 with Leek in midweek with Dean Rathbone coming in for Mickey Lyons and fit again Marc Goodfellow returning in place of Jordi Gough.

The Moatmen took just four and a half minutes to nudge ahead, Goodfellow liften a well weighted ball into the Sports area which Jordan Nadat chested down with impressive control before lashing the ball past goalkeeper Andy Stevens to score his first goal of the season.
Goal number two arrived moments after half time when Mickelover defender Scott Wood missed a crucial interception from Nadat, allowing in form winger Marc Goodfellow time and space to whip a wickedly curling shot into the top corner for his fourth of the campaign.
Nadat was again involved for the third and final goal as he flicked a ball through a gap in the Sports defence, allowing Richard Hanslow to race clear and clip the ball over the onrushing Stevens to ensure a derby victory for Gresley as their supporters applauded jubilantly.

Gresley move up two places to fourth in the Evo-Stick D1S following their three points today, Mickleover meanwhile drop to 16th. next up for the Moatmen is a trip to Chertsey Town for an FA Trophy qualifier with the Southern League side.




Gresley Starting XI:


Subs
12.Gary Hateley
14.Michael Nottingham
15.Jordi Gough for #11, 83 mins
16.Mickey Lyons - for #8, 83 mins
17.Phil Massingham for #9, 83 mins


Thanks mate, keep reading!

There was late drama in South London this afternoon as Chertsey Town denied their Derbyshire visitors Gresley passage into the next round with virtually the last kick of the game.
Gresley thought that their own strike from Phil Massingham which came just nine minutes from time would be enough to see them through, however the Surrey based club had other ideas, netting deep into the 94th minute.
Visiting manager Richard Beale made a host of changes to his squad ahead of this cup fixture, something he was heavily criticized for after their early exit from the FA cup to Midland Alliance side Heath Hayes last month.

Gresley were twice denied by the woodwork, Jordi Gough clipping the crossbar after just two minutes when he was played in by Rocye Turville and later substitute Jordan Nadat seeing his 25 yard effort come back off the post.
They did finally take the lead in the 81st minute when an error from Chertsey keeper Matt Bowles spilled what should have been a routine catch, allowing a well placed Phil Massingham to fire into an empty net.
With the game seemingly won the Moatmen eased off and became complacent and were punished deep into stoppage time when the Gresley defence failed to deal with Sam Crabb's low cross which was pounced upon my midfielder Alex Bolt six yards from goal.

Bolt's late equaliser means the sides will have to meet again on Wednesday night for a replay at Gresley's Moat ground with the winner set to go on to face Walsall based Rushall Olympic away in the first qualifying round.


Gresley Starting XI:


Subs
12.Gary Hateley
14.Ryan Walker
15.Marc Goodfellow for #8, 78 mins
16.Kyle Bryant
17.Jordan Nadat for #10, 47 mins