Many thanks are due to the people who helped make this game possible. With an unplayable pitch and Gloucester down to just seven players, Newbury went out of their way to find an alternative venue and balanced the sides out by loaning players to the visitors, all of whom gave everything for their temporary team.

Gloucester took an early lead when a good run and cross by Mason deflected in off a Newbury defender. Sallis and Pinkney combined to thwart the lively Newbury forward line with some strong tackling, before the highly impressive Sallis made a forging run down the right flank and fed Weatherley who slotted the ball past the ‘keeper at the second attempt to increase the visitors’ lead.

Williams was forced into a last ditch sliding tackle to prevent the arrears being reduced before more good work from Mason gave Elliott an opening, but his shot was saved. Keeper Balkwill managed to touch a drive from Amos on to the post but could not prevent the home side from scoring in the last minute of the first half, Wallace finishing off a flowing move.

Newbury began the second half strongly and Balkwill did well to turn French’s shot around the post, though Wilson brought Newbury level with a great strike direct from a free kick from some 25 yards out.

French put the homesters in front, only for Weatherley to equalise a few minutes later following a powerful run. Newbury won the day with Gent and Fowler netting twice in the closing moments to give them victory by five goals to three to round off a competitve game played in great spirit and brilliantly supported by the watching parents.