GRESLEY’S Marc Goodfellow kept up his rich vein of scoring form by capping off a victory against Dunkirk at the Ron Steele Sports Ground on Monday.
The win means the Moatmen have now gone 17 games unbeaten in all competitions having been awarded the Midland Alliance team of the month award for December — the second successive month they have claimed the accolade.
James Jepson broke the deadlock, with Royce Turville adding a second before Goodfellow completed the scoring for Gresley.
Tom Maddison claimed a late consolation for the hosts.
Boss Gary Norton, without the services of the suspended Rob Spencer and Adam Betteridge, kept with the same side which overcame Heather St John’s on Boxing Day.
And on a very heavy pitch, they were made to work hard for the three points, despite not looking under too much pressure.
After a cagey first 15 minutes, the game came alive when Goodfellow’s free-kick found Jepson, who nodded past keeper James Mountain at the second attempt after his first header had been palmed out.
Within a few minutes, Kyle Bryant went close, flashing a shot just over the bar, while at the other end, Maddison also went close for the Boatmen.
Gresley increased their lead with the best move of the first half.
Jordi Gough made a fine run down the left before sending a low cross into the box where Turville, running in at the back post, was able to slide the ball home.
With the sun setting and the temperature dropping like a stone, Dunkirk came out for the second half looking determined to get back into the game, and they almost did within a couple of minutes when Maddison fired a low shot just wide of the far post.
Gresley hit back as Jepson slung over a corner from the right and Michael Nottingham’s powerful header was cleared off the line by Ross McCaughey.
Oliver blasted the rebound wide.
Another fine move saw Oliver go close again. The striker made a good run down the right and, after avoiding two tackles, cut into the area only for his final shot to graze the outside of the near post.
After a good shout for a penalty had been turned down, Gresley finally grabbed a third.
Oliver picked out Turville, who in turn flicked the ball forward for Goodfellow to coolly finish the move by curling a shot into the bottom corner.
Dunkirk’s consolation goal came deep into time added on.
Awarded a free-kick just outside the area, Maddison expertly curled his shot into the top corner, giving Gresley keeper Gary Hateley no chance.
