There was a buzz was in the air throughout Longlevens as for the first time in many a month, a full and normal(ish) crowd were let in to watch all four teams in action. An early morning set-up was helped by ‘senior helpers’ Baddhity, Howard, Hodges x2 & Brooks were a great help – especially when they heard Bacon rolls were up for grabs. 

The hosts started poorly against one of the strongest St Albans B teams Coaches Harris and Wixey have seen for some time. After a few warning shots, it wasn’t long before the Yellows found themselves behind. An attack down the right saw a beautiful cross in between defender and keeper for Jack.A to slot in at the back post. 

The visitors then started to dominate the chances – having three one-on-ones before the half was out. Fortunately for the home team, Sadler was able to put enough pressure on the attacking players, pushing all three efforts just wide of the post.

The half time team talk officially welcomed the boys to District Football and a reminder was sent to the boys to let the visitors know that they weren’t going to win without a fight. 

Credit to the boys, Gloucester started the second half with greater intensity and saw the benefits of that quite quickly.

Hodges pressing the Blues’ defence led to winning the ball back and Savioli hit the bar with his effort. This was followed with a Baddhity corner which was floated in to the danger area and the ball ricocheted around until Hodges was able to poke home for the equaliser and grab his fourth goal in two games.

The rest of the second half carried on in this fashion with Glanville’s one-on-one being saved, Ali hitting the bar and Baddhity lob-shot was saved again. 

This was a game of two halves where the team who won more tackles each half, created the chances and scored the goal they needed to gain a very creditable draw. Both teams should be happy overall with how well they battled through the game and giving the supportive crowd a great viewing. 

Gloucester B: Sadler, Middlecote, Stokes, Howard, Kelly, Hodges, Baddhity, Ali, Glanville & Savioli