By Ethan Hoijord
New experienced Vauxhall Motors talisman Kevin Ellison ensured that it was indeed a Good Friday at The VanEupen Arena as he struck twice in Motors’ 3-2 win against Kidsgrove Athletic.
Danny Holmes’ side were looking to bounce back from two games without a victory, as they drew at Hednesford Town before being beaten late at Avro last time out, and The Motors manager started both new recruits, Toby Jones and Ellison, from the off.
Vauxhall started the tie strongly as there were a number of chances created by both sides. However, it was The Grove that netted first through their top goalscorer, Aaron Bott, in the 18th minute before Ellison bagged a brace before the break.
VMFC striker Connor Rankin extended his side’s lead in the 51st minute but there was still time for the visitors to come close to returning back to Staffordshire with a point as Jack Atkinson made a crucial save when the Motormen were two ahead.
After a five minute delay to start the match in Ellesmere Port, Kidsgrove midfielder Jack Bromfield struck the first chance of the game into the side netting, in the fourth minute. However, The Motors were soon on the attack as 45-year-old Kevin Ellison saw a low strike blocked by the visitors’ defence.
A great chance for Kidsgrove nearly rose in the 17th minute but Motors keeper Jack Atkinson raced off his line to clear the ball away, putting a stop to what would have been a good one-on-one opportunity.
The Grove kept pushing and they saw their efforts rewarded one minute later after a low cross into the box was met by the onrushing striker Aaron Bott.
Holmes made his first change of the afternoon as midfielder Jake Kirby-Reed was replaced by Sean Moscrop.
Ellison netted his first goal for his new club just before the half hour mark, outmuscling the Kidsgrove defender and taking the ball on his head before tapping the ball past the goalkeeper. With the sun starting to shine, he would bag his second of the match, putting his side into the lead ten minutes before the break, with a glancing header into the bottom corner of the net from George Nugent’s fantastic cross.
Motors striker Connor Rankin extended his side’s lead, six minutes into the second half, as Ellison received great applause when he was replaced by forward Bisensio Kamilo in the 72nd minute.
Two great strikes, one at either end, were brilliantly stopped by both keeper’s as the hosts’ Atkinson stopped a shot from just outside the six yard box before The Grove’s Kieran Harrison prevented Joe Brandon’s effort, which was destined for the top corner.
Jack Marrow made the game’s dying moments nervous for Vauxhall, as he netted in the 83rd minute. However, Motors’ defence were resilient and held on to keep all three points in the Port.
Vauxhall Motors are back in action on Bank Holiday Monday as they travel to Widnes whilst Kidsgrove Athletic play host to Clitheroe.
Vauxhall Motors FC, managed by Danny Holmes: Jack Atkinson, Bobby Beaumont, Lewis Sinnott, Toby Jones, Adam Hughes, Jordan Wynne (83’), Joe Brandon, Jake Kirby-Reed (26’), Connor Rankin, George Nugent, Kevin Ellison (72’). SUBS: Ben Dufton-Kelly, Bobbie McDonnell (83’), Jordan Deer, Sean Moscrop (26’), Bisensio Kamilo (72’).
Kidsgrove Athletic FC, managed by Anthony Malbon: Kieran Harrison, Jack Marrow, Kyle Stubbs (63′), Lewis Bergin, Harvey Washington, Josh Ryder, Tyrone Cadeau, Jack Bromfield, Kieran Brown, Aaron Bott, Nathan Morley. SUBS: Lewis Holdham, Ernest Ofosu (63′).
Attendance: 217