Gloucester B 0-1 St Albans A
Gloucester’s B Squad pushed their A Team counterparts from St Albans all the way before they were edged out of the Shires Cup at the semi final stage at a blustery Longlevens by their visitors from Hertfordshire.
In a first half of few opportunities, Shiyak Sutherland drove over following Tom Collins’ through ball, while Jacob Balkwill in the city goal produced a fine double save to deny both Beeson and Galvez, followed by another brave stop to keep out Watters.
With the wind at their backs in the second period the visitors pushed forward and Sanders gave them the lead from a direct free kick six minutes after the break. Following the goal however, the excellent Collins in central defence, well backed up by Tyler Sallis, Jasper Elliott and Jake Pinkney, limited the Saints to a handful of long range efforts, each of which sailed wide of the target.
Josh Mason had another fine game in the home midfield, while Sutherland always looked the more likely player to get Gloucester back in the game. And with two minutes remaining, the fleet-footed striker got away down the right and from his cross Elliott volleyed just wide of the far post.
St Albans saw out the final moments of the game to book their place in the Bank Holiday Monday final, where they will meet either Potters Bar or Gloucester A. Meanwhile, all the players in Gloucester’s B Squad, while disappointed at the eventual outcome, can be well pleased with their efforts throughout a game in which there was little to choose between the two sides.
Gloucester: Balkwill; Sallis, Collins, Pinkney; Butcher, Williams, Weatherley, Mason; Sutherland. Sub: Elliott.
In a first half of few opportunities, Shiyak Sutherland drove over following Tom Collins’ through ball, while Jacob Balkwill in the city goal produced a fine double save to deny both Beeson and Galvez, followed by another brave stop to keep out Watters.
With the wind at their backs in the second period the visitors pushed forward and Sanders gave them the lead from a direct free kick six minutes after the break. Following the goal however, the excellent Collins in central defence, well backed up by Tyler Sallis, Jasper Elliott and Jake Pinkney, limited the Saints to a handful of long range efforts, each of which sailed wide of the target.
Josh Mason had another fine game in the home midfield, while Sutherland always looked the more likely player to get Gloucester back in the game. And with two minutes remaining, the fleet-footed striker got away down the right and from his cross Elliott volleyed just wide of the far post.
St Albans saw out the final moments of the game to book their place in the Bank Holiday Monday final, where they will meet either Potters Bar or Gloucester A. Meanwhile, all the players in Gloucester’s B Squad, while disappointed at the eventual outcome, can be well pleased with their efforts throughout a game in which there was little to choose between the two sides.
Gloucester: Balkwill; Sallis, Collins, Pinkney; Butcher, Williams, Weatherley, Mason; Sutherland. Sub: Elliott.
