The Blues: Gavin Saxby, Ian Wheat, Adam Campbell, Joe Pheasant, Chris Murdock, Carl Spencer, Nathan Parker, Kelvin Mushambi, Kevin Mabon, Craig Mitchell, Paul McGinty.
Subs: Nathan Watson, David Leake, Adam Newton.
On a cold wet and windy November afternoon The Blues took the field without Ross Whalin, Dean Whiley, Nick Ghislanzoni and Jarad Holmes all of whom have withdrawn their services in support of Mark Harvey who was sacked after the defeat in the FA Vase against Barwell. Also missing were Paul Gamble, Paulo Pilero ,Martin Bowles and Mike Allsop all on the injured list. Visitors Shirebrook Town arrived at Grange Park on the back of a victory over Scarborough Athletic.
The game kicked off at a fast pace with the visitors well up for the game and immediately put pressure on The Blues. Faster to the ball and with a greater desire to win the ball Shirebrook looked the more likely to score in the early stages. Enthusiasm and determination brought with it a number of late tackles and blatant fouls which a weak referee seemed unable or unwilling to deal with.
Shirebrook Town took the lead in the first half with a goal from Ben Kirstell and although it was a scrappy affair that created the opening the visitors had their noses in front deservedly (0 - 1) on 44 minutes. The Blues were stung into action and in another goalmouth scramble scored through Carl Spencer, recently signed from Arnold Town, on 45 minutes (1 - 1).
HALF TIME 1 - 1.
The temperature continued to drop but on the field the fiery nature of the tackles continued without the referee managing to get out his cards. The pattern of the game continued in much the same vein and on 62 minutes Ben Kistell scored again to put Shirebrook in front once again. The Blues rallied and started to dictate the play but Shirebrookâs resolve never weakend and they held out for three well deserved points.
FINAL SCORE: 1 - 2.
Manager Glyn Stacey has a huge task on his hands to bring The Blues back on track but with so many talented youngsters in the squad a few experienced imports will solve the problem. A high finish looks to be impossible but then that prospect was blown away weeks ago. Our support for the team is now essential and they can turn things around.
