B VS BATH OCT 20

Rain, high winds and even more rain was on the cards for the first official game of the season for the GPSFA B Team against Bath. The rain ceased on arrival and did not restart until we were long gone, meaning that for the first time in many a year a game at the Racecourse ground was played without rain.

Bath dominated the early exchanges without really troubling stand-in ‘keeper Liggett. Gradually the visitors came into the game and began competing on an equal footing. Clarke having the first two shots at goal both assisted by Neate. While at the other end a sliding tackle by Harvey kept the game goalless. Gloucester were fortunate when a Liggett save at his near post, hit the upright and bounced along the line before being pounced on by the grateful ‘keeper. A lovely flowing team move down the right involving Saunders, Gladding, Giddy and Hill, gave Clarke another shooting opportunity that the home side’s ‘keeper did well to turn round the post. A Hill through ball was latched onto by Clarke but the woodwork came to the rescue of the hosts. With Neate increasingly influencial on the right flank, the visitors began dominating the game. Twice his pressing of a defender allowed him a chance to let fly from the edge of the area. The first was saved by the keeper but the second gave him no chance and he fired Gloucester into the lead. Giddy must have felt sorry for the opposition when he somehow managed to fire over from four yards out.

Neate doubled the lead early in the second half when he turned in a Saunders cross but moments later Lucas upended a Bath striker and the resultant penalty was duly converted giving new stand-in ‘keeper Clarke no chance. Midfielder Gladding restored the visitors two goal advantage with a long range shot that squirmed beneath the ‘keepers body. Gloucester then had a period where they had to defend well as team to maintain their advantage. Liggett, Lucas and Harvey all making strong tackles while Hill, Gladding and Saunders worked hard in midfield. The fourth Gloucester goal was very much a route one affair. Clarke’s drop-kick out was superbly tucked past the out-rushing keeper by Giddy. Clarke made a great save to turn the ball round the post only to allow a soft shot from outside of the area through his arms from the subsequent corner. Neate completed the scoring and a fine hattrick, firing in following a flag kick, giving the yellows a great 5-2 victory. A victory founded on everyone working hard for the team. A special thanks to the two stand-in ‘keepers. Plenty of work to do but an excellent start.

Gloucester: Liggett, Harvey, Lucas, Saunders, Gladding, Giddy, Hill, Neate, Clarke