Gloucester B 3-2 Bexley B by Lee Gwinna
Gloucester B edged an enthralling game against a very spirited Bexley side to clinch the Geoff Richards Trophy League title at Longlevens.
The game was competitive from the outset, with good strong tackling and committed challenges from both teams preventing either side from gaining the upper hand. Sallis had the first effort on goal for the homesters, but his shot went just wide of the upright. Weatherley and Sutherland’s partnership has been very profitable this season and they combined again to give the former another opportunity, but in lifting the ball over the advancing keeper he just cleared the bar as well. Bexley immediately responded and Slater fired over the bar at the other end, while substitute Butcher nearly scored with his first touch but skewed the ball wide. The lively Butcher also shot over the bar a minute later after a fine run and cross by Sutherland, before Mason broke the deadlock just before the break, netting at the far post as a result of corner.
The home side extended their advantage in the first minute of the second half, Weatherley latching on to Sutherland’s cross to fire home. Bexley immediately reduced the arrears, keeper Balkwill’s great save from McIntyre’s free kick being in vain as the ball came off the crossbar and dropped just over the line. The Kent team upped their game as a result and were rewarded with an equaliser, Jarvis tapping in at the far post.
It was appropriate though that a goal of real quality should settle the result. Mason capped a fine display with his second of the game, volleying in following Sutherland’s driving run and cross from the right wing. The city defence of Sallis, Pinkney and especially captain Collins, allied to Elliott’s workrate in midfield denied the visitors any further chances to level the scores, as the hosts just ran out winners.
The game was typical of how the Gloucester B Squad has approached every game this season in working extremely hard for each other and showing great heart and spirit, resulting in them deservedly winning the Geoff Richards Trophy title.
Gloucester B: Balkwill; Pinkney, Collins, Sallis; Williams, Weatherley, Elliott, Mason; Sutherland. Sub: Butcher.
The game was competitive from the outset, with good strong tackling and committed challenges from both teams preventing either side from gaining the upper hand. Sallis had the first effort on goal for the homesters, but his shot went just wide of the upright. Weatherley and Sutherland’s partnership has been very profitable this season and they combined again to give the former another opportunity, but in lifting the ball over the advancing keeper he just cleared the bar as well. Bexley immediately responded and Slater fired over the bar at the other end, while substitute Butcher nearly scored with his first touch but skewed the ball wide. The lively Butcher also shot over the bar a minute later after a fine run and cross by Sutherland, before Mason broke the deadlock just before the break, netting at the far post as a result of corner.
The home side extended their advantage in the first minute of the second half, Weatherley latching on to Sutherland’s cross to fire home. Bexley immediately reduced the arrears, keeper Balkwill’s great save from McIntyre’s free kick being in vain as the ball came off the crossbar and dropped just over the line. The Kent team upped their game as a result and were rewarded with an equaliser, Jarvis tapping in at the far post.
It was appropriate though that a goal of real quality should settle the result. Mason capped a fine display with his second of the game, volleying in following Sutherland’s driving run and cross from the right wing. The city defence of Sallis, Pinkney and especially captain Collins, allied to Elliott’s workrate in midfield denied the visitors any further chances to level the scores, as the hosts just ran out winners.
The game was typical of how the Gloucester B Squad has approached every game this season in working extremely hard for each other and showing great heart and spirit, resulting in them deservedly winning the Geoff Richards Trophy title.
Gloucester B: Balkwill; Pinkney, Collins, Sallis; Williams, Weatherley, Elliott, Mason; Sutherland. Sub: Butcher.
