After a difficult Monday evening of facing a very good football team, Gloucester B needed to pick themselves up to take on testing opposition in the shape of Gloucester City U-12’s. With Bath unable to field two teams today, the City side were wonderful in stepped in at the last moment. The return of a few old faces an added bonus to the bright sunny day that had already victories for the A’s and the Girls’ teams.

Armed with their new personal improvement targets, the B’s started brightly and confidently, making the first opportunity when Jonny latched on to a through ball, managed to round the keeper but a defender blocked his path to goal. It quickly became apparent that the coaches were cancelling each other out with their encouragement of ‘Gloucester’. More creative cries had to be employed.

A feature of the B’s play was better pressing and this had a direct impact when Clarke did as such, won the ball and fired at goal from the right-hand side of the area and Jonny followed up and knocked in the ‘keepers parry. This spurred the City side on and they had the better of the exchanges for a while without creating any chances. The next strike on goal actually came from the home side, Hill hitting a low drive from 15 yards which was well saved by the ‘keeper. The away side then equalised following a corner. The ball being headed in from close range. Aitchenson ensured the first third stayed all square when he saved well from former B team player Harris’ long drive.

Both sides deserve credit for the competitive and entertaining second period. Liggett’s superb tackle on the edge of the area typical of the determination of both defences while both sets of attackers did their best to punish any slip-ups. Harvey went close with a free-kick before Jonny sparked a five-minute three-goal splurge. Good pressing by the striker saw him rob a defender of the ball and he coolly slid the ball past the ‘keeper. Almost immediately the visitors drew level with some neat interchanges resulting in their forward volleying home. More good pressing enabled the yellows to regain the lead. This time Jonny’s press and shot allowed Saunders to nip in and poke the ball under the out-coming ‘keeper.

The final third was more of a midfield battle with few clear-cut chances. The decisive moment coming from a Saunders through ball that Jonny took to the by-line and crossed for Hardcastle to side-foot in from close-range giving the home side a two-goal advantage that the City side were unable to come back from. A very good display from the whole team with a deserved victory by four goals to two.

All enjoyed their after-match meal in the sun. The yellows in particular were in good spirits and ate together and entertained themselves with some sophisticated party games, including whoever speaks next is gay. For some reason, Lucas had the added problem of his parents doing their best to make him talk. Very childish but great to see them all having fun together.

A great day for Gloucester.

Gloucester B: Aitchenson, Liggett, Harvey, Giddy, Lucas, Saunders, Hill, Gladding, Neate, Hardcastle, Johny, Clarke