The Blues will host Loughborough Dynamo at Grange Park in the Second Qualifying Round on Saturday 24th September.

Long Eaton capitalised on a strong start as Reco Fyfe scored his second goal in as many games to give The Blues an early lead.

Shortly after the first goal, Jack Rogers doubled the advantage with a goal direct from the corner spot, which completed a similar first-half to that of last season’s title-decider against The Moatmen.

Both managers were dismissed at half-time for an incident in the tunnel and a goalless but entertaining second-half followed.

Ian Deakin made three changes to the starting line-up that beat Stocksbridge Park Steels away last Tuesday. Centre half Keiran Walker returned in Tyreece Robinson’s absence, Alex Marshall replaced Micah Jebbison up front and Brad Wilson came in for Tom Marshall.

After a dominant start to the match, Fyfe opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Rogers delivered from the corner spot, Romaine Graham flicked the ball and Fyfe to headed past Lewis Fenney from close-range.

Rogers soon threatened from the corner spot again, this time the winger found the back of the net directly from the set piece to score his fifth of the season and The Blues’ second of the match.

Gresley Rovers searched for a reply. On the end of a deep free kick, Kieran Wells found space to head the ball back across to Jazz Luckie although, at full lunge, the attacking midfielder could not reach the loose ball.

Rogers’ corners continued to cause havoc for The Moatmen’s defence. Graham won another header from the routine but his goalward effort was somehow cleared off the line by Jordi Gough.

As the half came to a close, Luckie had another chance to reduce the deficit for the visitors. Yet, his header from inside the six-yard box was high and wide of the target.

The Blues pressed on in the second-half and, despite many opportunities, could not find a third goal.

Ellis Evans missed his clearance on the halfway line, which played Rogers and Kam Campbell through on goal. The pair played a one-two inside the box and beat the goalkeeper but Tyler Donaldson came across and made an interception to deny a certain goal.

At the other end, Luckie dribbled into the box and appeared to be brought down; however, the referee was having none of it and gave the midfielder a yellow card for simulation.

Fyfe and Gordon linked up nicely inside The Rovers' 18-yard box but the latter narrowly missed with his placed effort.

Micah Jebbison was introduced from the bench and could have easily scored a brace on another night. Firstly, the Canadian winger struck the outside of the side-netting after Rogers played him through on the overlap. Next, Rogers dribbled to the by-line and crossed to Jebbison but his header struck the crossbar and rebounded back into play.

In injury time Gresley had a period of late pressure which resulted in a one-on-one with Luckie against Sam Wilson - The Blues’ number one was quick off his line and claimed the ball from Luckie’s feet to secure a second consecutive clean sheet.