Newbury 1 Gloucester 2 by The Merry Monarch
Gloucester’s A Squad edged out their Newbury counterparts in a close-fought encounter at Speenhamland to set up a second round tie at home to Stevenage.
There was little to choose between the two sides for much of the first half with the two midfields largely cancelling each other out. Physio-turned-player Gore replaced the limping Townsend after only five minutes and he, Roddis, Coldridge and Richards each battled hard without ever really threatening the Newbury goal.
For Newbury, Riddick was denied by an excellent tackle from Hylton, who later in the half was in the perfect position to clear from virtually on the line, before Troke did very well to deny Wilson in a one-on-one, the keeper standing his ground to great effect.
At the other end Pledger tried his luck from 25 yards but his effort cleared the crossbar, while a neat pass from Richards led to Jenner firing just wide. Five minutes before half time however, Gloucester claimed the lead, Gore’s perfectly weighted ball picking out Jenner who on this occasion finished with aplomb.
This very even contest maintained its equilibrium after the break, Troke being called upon to save from Jameson, while some alert defending from Weir-Roberts, Pledger and Hylton ensured Newbury’s efforts to find an early post-interval response.
Indeed it was the city team that extended their advantage, Richards’ pass picking out Jenner whose excellent finish doubled Gloucester’s lead via the inside of the far post.
Riddick shot just over for Newbury, though initially Jenner’s and latterly Townsend’s forays, largely fuelled by a succession of fine passes from Gore kept the home defence on its toes.
With seven minutes remaining however Newbury reduced the arrears as Murray volleyed spectacularly beyond Troke for the third fine finish of the game and two minutes later the same player drove a direct free kick just wide.
Troke then produced a sprawling save to turn Dalquen’s effort to safety, while good play from Roddis, Coldridge and Townsend gave Jenner a shooting opportunity, but the hat trick attempt flashed wide of the far post.
So, a determined display, a close-fought encounter, a fourth consecutive 2-1 scoreline, a very nice Chieveley breakfast and a place in round two of the Shires Cup – a satisfying morning in very nice surroundings in a truly royal county. A genuinely good day.
Gloucester: Troke; Weir-Roberts, Pledger, Hylton; Townsend, Richards, Roddis, Coldridge; Jenner. Sub: Gore.
There was little to choose between the two sides for much of the first half with the two midfields largely cancelling each other out. Physio-turned-player Gore replaced the limping Townsend after only five minutes and he, Roddis, Coldridge and Richards each battled hard without ever really threatening the Newbury goal.
For Newbury, Riddick was denied by an excellent tackle from Hylton, who later in the half was in the perfect position to clear from virtually on the line, before Troke did very well to deny Wilson in a one-on-one, the keeper standing his ground to great effect.
At the other end Pledger tried his luck from 25 yards but his effort cleared the crossbar, while a neat pass from Richards led to Jenner firing just wide. Five minutes before half time however, Gloucester claimed the lead, Gore’s perfectly weighted ball picking out Jenner who on this occasion finished with aplomb.
This very even contest maintained its equilibrium after the break, Troke being called upon to save from Jameson, while some alert defending from Weir-Roberts, Pledger and Hylton ensured Newbury’s efforts to find an early post-interval response.
Indeed it was the city team that extended their advantage, Richards’ pass picking out Jenner whose excellent finish doubled Gloucester’s lead via the inside of the far post.
Riddick shot just over for Newbury, though initially Jenner’s and latterly Townsend’s forays, largely fuelled by a succession of fine passes from Gore kept the home defence on its toes.
With seven minutes remaining however Newbury reduced the arrears as Murray volleyed spectacularly beyond Troke for the third fine finish of the game and two minutes later the same player drove a direct free kick just wide.
Troke then produced a sprawling save to turn Dalquen’s effort to safety, while good play from Roddis, Coldridge and Townsend gave Jenner a shooting opportunity, but the hat trick attempt flashed wide of the far post.
So, a determined display, a close-fought encounter, a fourth consecutive 2-1 scoreline, a very nice Chieveley breakfast and a place in round two of the Shires Cup – a satisfying morning in very nice surroundings in a truly royal county. A genuinely good day.
Gloucester: Troke; Weir-Roberts, Pledger, Hylton; Townsend, Richards, Roddis, Coldridge; Jenner. Sub: Gore.
