Gloucester B 6-1 Hounslow by Hugh Juwinn
A late change of venue for this Geoff Richards Trophy semi final did not prevent either side from contesting the tie from the start at a frenetic pace.
With space at a premium and both sides closing down well, it was always going to take a mistake or a moment of quality to produce the first goal and Hayes went for the latter on twelve minutes, smashing the ball into the top corner from twenty yards out.
That sparked probably the best twenty-minute or so period of play Gloucester has put together so far this season. A period full of desire to win the ball, play it simply and at pace brought them many chances and enabled them to dominate for the rest of the half.
Harris and Fortey both went close to extending the lead as Williamson, Hayes and Fortey combined well, but it was the substitutes Randall and Taylor who gave the home side the three goal advantage their play deserved - Randall neatly stepping inside a defender and firing in a low left footed drive and great work by Thomas allowing Randall the opportunity to play in Taylor to net just before the break.
More space appeared in the second half as Hounslow pushed forward attempting to gain a foothold in the game. Thomas, Ansermoz and especially Limbrick remained calm at the back and continually turned defence into attack with good positioning and some lovely control before playing simple but effective passes.
Fortey increased the lead further with a low drive and when he and Randall combined well down the right flank his far post cross-cum-shot could not be kept out by the covering defender to give the hosts a five-goal advantage.
Both goalkeepers had a private duel for save of the match, each producing spectacular efforts. Crichton in the Hounslow goal was responsible for keeping the score down as he made multiple saves and one in particular from a Harris pile-driver drew applause from all watching on the side-lines, though Sargeant replied with a flying save of his own for Gloucester. The away team pulled a goal back following a corner when Williams headed home, only for Taylor to reply in kind and restore the five goal lead.
A great team display where everyone played their part in producing a performance full of commitment and free flowing, fast passing football to run out deserved 6-1 winners. Stevenage await in the final.
Gloucester: Sargeant; Ansermoz, Limbrick, Williamson; Laverton, Thomas, Fortey, Hayes, Harris. Subs: Taylor, Randall.
With space at a premium and both sides closing down well, it was always going to take a mistake or a moment of quality to produce the first goal and Hayes went for the latter on twelve minutes, smashing the ball into the top corner from twenty yards out.
That sparked probably the best twenty-minute or so period of play Gloucester has put together so far this season. A period full of desire to win the ball, play it simply and at pace brought them many chances and enabled them to dominate for the rest of the half.
Harris and Fortey both went close to extending the lead as Williamson, Hayes and Fortey combined well, but it was the substitutes Randall and Taylor who gave the home side the three goal advantage their play deserved - Randall neatly stepping inside a defender and firing in a low left footed drive and great work by Thomas allowing Randall the opportunity to play in Taylor to net just before the break.
More space appeared in the second half as Hounslow pushed forward attempting to gain a foothold in the game. Thomas, Ansermoz and especially Limbrick remained calm at the back and continually turned defence into attack with good positioning and some lovely control before playing simple but effective passes.
Fortey increased the lead further with a low drive and when he and Randall combined well down the right flank his far post cross-cum-shot could not be kept out by the covering defender to give the hosts a five-goal advantage.
Both goalkeepers had a private duel for save of the match, each producing spectacular efforts. Crichton in the Hounslow goal was responsible for keeping the score down as he made multiple saves and one in particular from a Harris pile-driver drew applause from all watching on the side-lines, though Sargeant replied with a flying save of his own for Gloucester. The away team pulled a goal back following a corner when Williams headed home, only for Taylor to reply in kind and restore the five goal lead.
A great team display where everyone played their part in producing a performance full of commitment and free flowing, fast passing football to run out deserved 6-1 winners. Stevenage await in the final.
Gloucester: Sargeant; Ansermoz, Limbrick, Williamson; Laverton, Thomas, Fortey, Hayes, Harris. Subs: Taylor, Randall.
