Reserves scrape through
The Mikes got their League Cup defence off to a winning start, but not without an almighty scare against a spirited Gresley side.
The day got off to a nightmare start, with The Mikes losing three players just before kick off, including both centre halves.
The Mikes overcame this to race into a two-goal lead courtesy of two excellent finishes from Johaine Thompson. Gresley then started to dictate play, forcing two excellent saves from Luis Connor before drawing level before half time thanks to goals from set pieces.
The visitors enjoyed the lions share of possession in the second half, but the Mikes defended doggedly to restrict clear-cut chances. This was rewarded with a dramatic late winner from Andre Gonzales, following a superb cross from Thompson.
Relieved Joint-Manager Rob Clarke reflected: “The way the day went, I’m just pleased we got through it. It’s a testimony to the strength in depth at the club that we were still able to dig out a result. After two 9-0 wins, this was just the opposite. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a victory for grit, determination and character, none more so than Will Hutt who got through the second half on one leg. From a balanced 16-man squad at 12 noon, we were faced with the real prospect of me going on up front if it went to extra time! There are some basic lessons to learn from the goals we conceded, but I couldn’t be more proud of the character the lads showed, which was immense”.
