Gresley Rovers are the final visitors to Grange Park in the 2021/22 UCFL Premier Division North season as Long Eaton United aim to be crowned league champions.

The Blues head into this match off the back of a fantastic 5-1 victory over Heather St. John’s at St. John’s Park at the weekend.

Long Eaton took an early lead through Reco Fyfe, but the visitors found an equaliser through Will Mansfield in the 35th minute. Although, the match would only remain level for three minutes as Kameron Campbell restored the lead in the run-up to the break.

Then, a second-half hat-trick of calm and composed finishes from substitute James Shaw put the game beyond doubt and helped the Blues claim all three points.

Gresley make the short trip down the M1 and head into this game with their eyes also set on the glories of the UCFL Premier Division North title.

In their last match, the Moatmen were victorious over Skegness Town at the Vertigo Stadium as they walked away with a solid 4-2 win.

Gary King and Joshua Morrall’s goals for the Lilywhites did not quite give the hosts enough momentum, as a Steve Hart hat-trick and a goal from Shay Brennan helped guide Gresley to a sustained victory.

Previous Meetings –

The Blues travelled to the Moat Ground for the away fixture against the Moatmen in February this year and walked away with a vital point.

A late Jamie Walker goal meant the game finished 2-2, as that of course added to Romaine Graham’s goal in the first half and cancelled out Danny Munday’s and Alex Morris’ early goals.

Gresley also had to play just over 30 minutes of that match with 10 men, due to their top goal scorer Steve Hart being sent for an early shower.

Prior to this season, Gresley Rovers and Long Eaton United last met in September 2020 once again at the Moat Ground, but that ended in a much different circumstance.

A Jamie Walker brace and goals from Keiran Walker, Romaine Graham and Alex Marshall meant the Blues netted five goals away from home, and walked away as 5-1 victors, with Danny Munday grabbing a consolation for Gresley.

Managers Quotes –

Looking ahead to what is without a doubt going to be an incredible match on Bank Holiday Monday, Ian Deakin said: “It has been a quick turnaround for this game, but I could not thank the lads enough for that performance on Saturday - to a man they executed it perfectly – and if they do the same on Monday, then I have no doubts in my mind.

“I am most definitely looking forward to it - I did not know whether they [Gresley Rovers] had won or lost after the match on Saturday, because to be honest with you I have always focussed on what we can do and how we play.

“But, you know, they have to come to our place and get a result and there is only one team in the league that has managed that within the last two years. So, we will be ready to go on Monday – the lads are looking forward to it, they are in great spirits, and it will be one hell of a game, I am sure.”

When asked how influential the Blues fans have been this season and how important they will be on Monday, Deakin added: “They are fantastic – seeing so many faces on the side-lines cheering us on and applauding the lads is brilliant – the squad really appreciate the effort they put in on a weekly basis.

“It is a real plus, because the more fans we can engage with, both young and old, the better really. The club is one that is on the up and it going to be a great place to be in the future.

“The fans were class on Saturday, like they have been all year, and you can see them growing in numbers which is fantastic to see, so we are expecting a brilliant atmosphere for the final game of the season on Monday.”

Team News –

Romaine Graham returned to the bench at the weekend, after picking up a slight back injury a couple of weeks ago, so he will potentially be looking to help the Blues on Monday.

Marley Fearon returns from suspension and could also make an appearance in the squad for the final match of the season.

Ian Deakin should indeed have a full quota to choose from on Bank Holiday Monday in what is shaping up to be an incredible ‘winner takes all’ title decider.

First versus Second - level on points, separated by goal difference - a must-win for Gresley, but a win or a draw will do it for Long Eaton - tensions will be high!

Ticket Information –

£6 Adults
£4 Concessions
U16s FREE with a paying adult

£2 Matchday Programmes

The match kicks off at 3:00 pm and we advise all supporters to arrive early to avoid any queues or delays.

Card payments are preferred and accepted at the bar, at the kitchen and now for entry into Grange Park!

Also, you can see the team line-ups outside the hospitality room or on our official Twitter, where there will also be live updates from the match.

Additional information from Managing Director, Nick Dargan, can be found here: https://www.longeatonutd.co.uk/news/a-message-from-the-managing-director-2696977.html