GPSFA B Team Vs Potters Bar
Gloucester B 3 Potters Bar B 1 by Bill Withers
Gloucester’s B Squad kicked off their season by welcoming Potters Bar to a misty Longlevens, but right on cue the sun broke through as the game kicked off.
The early exchanges were frenetic as both sides showed great enthusiasm to win the ball, the hosts going close when a combination of keeper and post kept out a rasping drive from the industrious Elliott. Immediately the visitors responded with an effort of their own, Savvides going close with a shot from the edge of the area.
Collins then made a driving run from his own half and fed the impressive Weatherley who showed good strength in holding off two players before feeding Sutherland whose shot was well saved. It was The Bar though who took the lead shortly afterwards when an attack down their right gave Savvides the opportunity to shoot over the advancing Balkwill.
The Gloucester boys worked hard to regain parity with Williams and Weatherley at the heart of everything. Sallis initiated the next chance with a run down the right, setting up Sutherland to fire just past the post.
Eight minutes into the second half however a great run by Pinkney from the edge of his own area to the edge of the other box and a neat ball in gave Sutherland the opportunity to lift his effort over the 'keeper to equalise. Balkwill then saved well, turning Barker's near post effort round the upright.
With ten minutes remaining the home side claimed a deserved lead when Weatherley's driven cross was turned in by Elliott. Further opportunities for Sutherland, courtesy of Mason and Weatherley assists were well saved by Telfer. Potters Bar were unable to breach the very solid Gloucester back line of Sallis, Pinkney, the excellent Collins and latterly Knight, causing them to push forward more and leave gaps at the back. The third goal for the Yellows duly arrived when Sutherland took advantage of the space behind, knocking the ball past his defender and running from his own half to clip the ball past the keeper at his near post.
A well deserved victory that came as a result of a hard working team effort and a great start to the season.
Gloucester: Balkwill; Sallis, Pinkney, Collins, Weatherley, Knight, Williams, Elliott, Mason. Sub: Sutherland.
Gloucester’s B Squad kicked off their season by welcoming Potters Bar to a misty Longlevens, but right on cue the sun broke through as the game kicked off.
The early exchanges were frenetic as both sides showed great enthusiasm to win the ball, the hosts going close when a combination of keeper and post kept out a rasping drive from the industrious Elliott. Immediately the visitors responded with an effort of their own, Savvides going close with a shot from the edge of the area.
Collins then made a driving run from his own half and fed the impressive Weatherley who showed good strength in holding off two players before feeding Sutherland whose shot was well saved. It was The Bar though who took the lead shortly afterwards when an attack down their right gave Savvides the opportunity to shoot over the advancing Balkwill.
The Gloucester boys worked hard to regain parity with Williams and Weatherley at the heart of everything. Sallis initiated the next chance with a run down the right, setting up Sutherland to fire just past the post.
Eight minutes into the second half however a great run by Pinkney from the edge of his own area to the edge of the other box and a neat ball in gave Sutherland the opportunity to lift his effort over the 'keeper to equalise. Balkwill then saved well, turning Barker's near post effort round the upright.
With ten minutes remaining the home side claimed a deserved lead when Weatherley's driven cross was turned in by Elliott. Further opportunities for Sutherland, courtesy of Mason and Weatherley assists were well saved by Telfer. Potters Bar were unable to breach the very solid Gloucester back line of Sallis, Pinkney, the excellent Collins and latterly Knight, causing them to push forward more and leave gaps at the back. The third goal for the Yellows duly arrived when Sutherland took advantage of the space behind, knocking the ball past his defender and running from his own half to clip the ball past the keeper at his near post.
A well deserved victory that came as a result of a hard working team effort and a great start to the season.
Gloucester: Balkwill; Sallis, Pinkney, Collins, Weatherley, Knight, Williams, Elliott, Mason. Sub: Sutherland.
