Focus was back on the East Midlands Counties League on Saturday afternoon as Gedling Miners Welfare welcomed Derbyshire-based Graham Street Prims to Plains Road.

Gedling, though flying high on the back of their superb midweek cup win after extra-time against Selston, were looking for a change in fortune domestically after two consecutive heavy defeats prior. Graham Street Prims, facing mixed fortunes of late, sat 18th at the start of play but were unbeaten in their last 3, including an impressive 4-1 victory away at Dunkirk in October..

The home side took the game to the visitors from the off, but no one could have expected the breakneck speed the first 5 minutes was played at from the whistle, so it was no surprise when the first goal of the game was scored in a matter of seconds, a real reflection of how the game had begun.

Only a minuttarted poorly, but after falling behind sensed a change in their methodology would prevail and started to attack Gedling. Leading their attack, the dangerous Kevin Morrow unleashed an effort on Chris Heltorp’s goal, but rather scooped his effort over and failed to trouble the ‘keeper. The football on show, whilst patience by both teams, failed to materialise anything in terms of attacking threats as both sets of defences remained stubborn. Kurt Dallison fired over from distance just before the 20th minute, but his effort was tame as Prims sought a way back into the affair.

Though scrappy, Gedling continued to probe and despite their good looking football and interplay, they were continuously thwarted by a resilient back line of Prims, but it was the away side that went closest to the next goal. After Morrow was felled on the edge of the area, Brad Scard stepped up and curled his free kick toward goal. Unfortunately for him, his effort crashed off the crossbar as Heltorp was left helpless and the danger was eventually cleared.

However, despite going close, they did make their next effort count with 37 minutes played. After his initial corner was cleared, Dallison picked up the loose pieces and fired a waist-high cross into the area which was diverted home, using purely the pace on the cross, by the alert Morrow as he congratulated Dallison for his role in the leveller, a goal which Prims deserved based on their reaction to going behind.

Equal at the break and a scoreline that ultimately reflected the disappointment of the encounter as the half wore on – despite the opening exchanges. However, as early as a minute into the second half, much similar to the first, Jepson really should have done better but, when in behind, uncharacteristically lofted the ball over the target when a goal looked certain.

Despite this, the second half failed to produce much in terms of clear cut opportunities, but did see cautions shared between the sides as the game started become physical. A duo of attacking substitutions by Gedling indicated their intent just before the hour, but it was the away side that took the lead, arguably deserved, and in some style.

A fine cross-field pass by Joel Isaac found the first touch of Brad Scard who, after finely setting himself, unleashed a superb low effort that evaded the claws of Heltorp which nestled into the far bottom corner for his side’s lead that Prims deserved.

11 minutes later, and the visitors really did have the game in the bag, or so it seemed. George Lynam found the eccentric Scard who delightfully crossed for the unmarked Morrow who tapped home his second of the game, Prims’ third. In fairness, they warranted their lead. They were impressive in controlling the play, whilst diminishing any threat Gedling posed. Though, at the end of what was a disappointing game of football, despite the fast-paced start, Gedling pulled one back to ensure the final few minutes were nervy for their visitors.

After superb play on the edge of the area from Jimmy Spiers, dancing past 3, his deft through ball found the path of Jack Jepson who, despite claims of offside, fired the ball past Fretwell for his second. Only a minute later, Spiers had the opportunity to level the scoreline and salvage a point for Gedling, contrary to what they deserved on the day, however, his left foot effort was dragged wide but had Fretwell nervously scrambling.

A bad day in the office culminated in a disappointing home defeat for Gedling. Graham Street Prims performed well and ultimately deserved the three points on a crisp afternoon at Plains Road. Attention reverts back to cup action on Tuesday night (21st) as Gedling host Dunkirk in the second round of the East Midlands Counties League cup, kick off 7.45, hoping to replicate their 5-2 league win over their city neighbours earlier this season.e was on the clock when a superb pass from Charlie Roberts out wide found Joe Meakin, and his superb cross was headed back across goal from Steven Brett, still loitering from a previous attack, and Jack Jepson flicked home via a heel as he wheeled away in celebration. Prior to that, Jimmy Spiers could have registered the quickest goal of the day, one would assume, but his superb low effort was tipped around by Andrew Fretwell, the subsequent corner leading to the opener.

Match Attendance – 65

Referee – Mr Mehul Karia
Assistant Referees – Mr Mike Precious and Mr Simone Cattaneo