Bath 0-4 Gloucester by Henry Winkler
They say 48 hours is a long time in politics and football and Gloucester’s response to the miserable offering at Woking proved there is life in the old adage yet.
In driving icy rain at the wonderfully appointed Odd Down Sports Centre, buoyed by the introduction of youth into the coaching team and in front of only the hardiest of supporters (and those not required to work), Gloucester’s reawakened midfield dropped deeper to win the ball before using it with intent to constantly threaten the home goal.
Jenner had a brace of efforts saved and Pledger twice saw the woodwork intervene as the hosts survived until Gore played in Coldridge who finished well across the keeper.
Bath’s only real threat of the game saw an effort from Kiely come back off the crossbar, but with Townsend and Gore dominant in central midfield and Coldridge and Pledger ever dangerous down the flanks Gloucester continued to threaten and a fine left footed effort from Townsend went close to extending the lead.
The second period saw the city team’s forward momentum continue, while Bath’s forays into the city half were comfortably dealt with by Hylton, Richards and Weir-Roberts in the visitors’ back line.
A remarkable save from the home keeper denied Jenner from point blank range, but the home custodian was powerless to intervene when Pledger’s corner deflected in off a home defender. Richards’ flag kick then struck the far post before his next effort found flesh rather than aluminium and another inadvertent deflection made it three.
Shortly before the final whistle and with the corner count extending beyond the comfort zone of several of the Gloucester players, yet another Richards cross was converted by Coldridge to round off a well-earned and thoroughly deserved victory.
Gloucester: Troke; Weir-Roberts, Richards, Hylton; Coldridge, Gore, Townsend, Pledger; Jenner.
In driving icy rain at the wonderfully appointed Odd Down Sports Centre, buoyed by the introduction of youth into the coaching team and in front of only the hardiest of supporters (and those not required to work), Gloucester’s reawakened midfield dropped deeper to win the ball before using it with intent to constantly threaten the home goal.
Jenner had a brace of efforts saved and Pledger twice saw the woodwork intervene as the hosts survived until Gore played in Coldridge who finished well across the keeper.
Bath’s only real threat of the game saw an effort from Kiely come back off the crossbar, but with Townsend and Gore dominant in central midfield and Coldridge and Pledger ever dangerous down the flanks Gloucester continued to threaten and a fine left footed effort from Townsend went close to extending the lead.
The second period saw the city team’s forward momentum continue, while Bath’s forays into the city half were comfortably dealt with by Hylton, Richards and Weir-Roberts in the visitors’ back line.
A remarkable save from the home keeper denied Jenner from point blank range, but the home custodian was powerless to intervene when Pledger’s corner deflected in off a home defender. Richards’ flag kick then struck the far post before his next effort found flesh rather than aluminium and another inadvertent deflection made it three.
Shortly before the final whistle and with the corner count extending beyond the comfort zone of several of the Gloucester players, yet another Richards cross was converted by Coldridge to round off a well-earned and thoroughly deserved victory.
Gloucester: Troke; Weir-Roberts, Richards, Hylton; Coldridge, Gore, Townsend, Pledger; Jenner.
