Linby got back to winning ways, after a defeat last Saturday, and a 2-2 draw away at Holbrook Sports in midweek.
But it was far from easy as a very much improved young Gresley Reserves outfit belied their league position and pushed Linby all the way.
With several players unavailable, notably reliable defenders George Skevington, Joe Turner and striker Ashdon Bernard. Manager Jonathan Wass was forced into changes, with Ethan Fells moving to centre back.
The visitors started well, and on 15 minutes the lively Finley Cooper beat two men and shot from the edge of the area, but Jack Walker denied him with a superb save down to his left.
On 21 minutes Linby got the breakthrough. The lively Spencer Pollitt was pulled back and the referee gave the penalty after consulting his assistant. Up stepped Ewan Gibson to convert from the spot.
On 55 minutes the game was won with a wonderful goal from Mason Moore. Liam Cartledge did well to beat his man and to lay off to Moore who took one touch to lift the ball up and hit his volley over Gresley keeper Riley Peach and into the far top corner. 2-0.
Gresley never stopped and kept threatening but found Linby’s back four of Greg Conn, Josh Wass, Ethan Fells and Corey Wood in dominant mood.
Linby were so unlucky not to get a third. Pollitt played in Charlie Tassi and his shot beat Peach but hit the inside of the post, ran along the line, hit the other post and miraculously bounced away from goal.
Line up: Walker, Conn, Wass, Fells, Wood, Stefaniak, Gibson, Moore, Pollitt, Hamilton, Cartledge Subs. Tassi ( for Hamilton 65m), Smith ( for Stefaniak 74m)
Joint MOTM: Ethan Fells and Spencer Pollitt
Attendance: 75
