Shirebrook Town beaten by play-off chasers Grace Dieu

It was the visitors who made the stronger start with Ernest Osaretin twice going close in the opening 10 minutes Shirebrook were also looking dangerous in attack with Joe Godfrey and Kian Tansley having chances.

The deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute when Rufus Brooks was played through and he managed to round an on rushing Harrison Kissane in goal and, despite the best efforts of the Shirebrook defence, as they slid to try and block the ball Brooks rolled the ball into the net to give the Grace Dieu the lead.

No sooner had the game restarted the ball was in the net again as Grace Dieu doubled their lead in the 25th minute when a defensive header was headed into the path of Nathan Linden.

Shirebrook set about trying to find a way back into the game and they had a few chances with Joe Godfrey and Ross Hensahw both going close but as the sides went in for the break it was the visitors who had the advantage.

Having been second best for most of the opening 45 minutes Shirebrook came flying out the traps at the start of the second half with Joe Godfrey, Kian Tansley, Charlie Humphries, Ben Gillott, Ross Henshaw and Ryan Herbert all having chances in the opening 15 minutes of the half

As the half went on Shirebrook were in total control and had a big penalty shout in the 65th minute when Kian Tansley was brought down in the box but the referee waved away the penalty shouts.

Shirebrook were beginning to take more and more risk and Grace Dieu almost took full advantage in the 77th minute when Nathan Linden almost got his second goal of the afternoon but hit shot was blocked on the line by Ryan Herbert.

As the game went into the final ten minutes Shirebrook were still pushing to try and get something from the game and Farbod Yousefi almost set up a grand stand finish but he couldn’t keep his shot on target but Shirebrook just couldn’t find a way back into the game and it was Grace Dieu who left with all 3 points.