Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers.    District coaching restarts at OSP on Friday 3rd January (5-6pm) & Monday 6th January (6-7pm).    Saturday 4th January: GPSFA A, B & G v Bexley (Home; 11.00am, 12.15pm & 1.30pm).

Bath B 1-1 Gloucester B by Sue Kingwet

The final game of the year was played in torrential rain and high winds which made it difficult for either side to play good football, but credit to both teams that they never stopped trying to do so.

The wind massively dictated the play and Bath made the most of their advantage by taking the lead through a fine shot from Kirk which sailed over the head of Balkwill, and the home side nearly doubled their lead but the post saved Gloucester from going two behind.

After a quick turnaround the drenched players resumed their battle with the elements and now it was the visitors who were receiving the assistance of the wind. Attacks featuring Butcher, Sallis, Mason, Weatherley and Sutherland were becoming commonplace and the city team forced a number of corners and one such flag kick was headed in by Knight at the far post to bring the sides level.

Bath responded with an attack of their own and Conrad fired against the bar. Gloucester resumed their pressure and Weatherley drew a fine save from Hodge who pushed the Gloucester captain’s low shot up and over the crossbar.

The game finished in a draw which was appropriate as neither team deserved to lose a match in which both sides had had to battle the elements as well as each other.

Gloucester B: Balkwill; Sallis, Collins, Elliott, Williams, Knight, Mason, Butcher, Sutherland. Sub: Weatherley.