On what was quite the miserable day, the B team were looking to build on a previous good couple of week’s results and performances. This week’s visitors were Hertfordshire’s St Albans – to whom we had lost by the one goal in our second game of the season. 

Signs in training and recent matches had looked like things were heading in the right direction and this match did not disappoint in what was probably our most complete performance (as a team) this whole season. 

The game started with great intent from both teams. Although there was limited goal-mouth action, it was clear that both sets of boys were up for the battle. St Albans started to look dangerous – especially down the right flank, but were only able to create two long range efforts at goal which were saved comfortably by Aitchenson. Giddy doing all he could to limit the right side attacks with Harvey covering well when they did get through. 

It was the home team that managed to act like the preverbal bus when hardly any efforts at goal in the first 18 minutes led to being 2-0 up at minute 20. Neate being involved in both, he capitalised on some defensive frailties to win back the ball and shoot over the goalkeeper for the first and became provider in the second when his corner went past everyone in the mixer only to find its way to the right edge of the box. Hill without thinking unleashed this perfect half volley over the top of every player, including the keeper to make it two-to-the-good.  

Hill then bags a brace after Gloucester again hunt the ball down when St Albans play out from the back. Wingers Hill and Hardcastle (having his best game this season) were looking to regain possession at any moment. This time, Lucas winning the ball well on the half way line, plays the ball to Hill who lays a beautiful ball behind the defence for Johny to run onto. Unselfishly, he puts it on a plate for Neate to slot home only for him to scuff his shot. The rebound however lands at the feet of Hill who obliges and puts a comfortable gap between the teams.  

On the stroke of HT, St Albans gain a lifeline. A free kick outside the box was hit towards goal and allegedly handled in the box by Harvey. Lee steps up for the resulting penalty and slots home nicely.

Gloucester regained their 3-goal lead when Gladding won the ball back in the middle of the park and laid the ball off to Saunders (playing well in a new position of CM). His throughball to Johny was picked up and his early shot caught the keeper off guard to complete a neat move. 

The game’s final 15 minutes became more of a battle and some calm defending by Lucas & Harvey and great recovery tackles by Liggett, the visitors created very little in the home area. On the occassion they were allowed a shot or two, Aitchenson again showed composure to deal with the shots well. One in particular looked destined for the bottom corner until an athletic save was tipped round the post for a corner.

The game finished with a few more opportunities for Johny and Hill, but the score stayed at 4-1 for the home team to have the half-time advantage in this two-legged semi-final. 

As said above, this was probably our most complete performance as a team with every player stepping up to the plate. Hopefully, the boys can capitalise on this upward trend some more and continue to progress well. 

Aitchenson, Liggett, Harvey, Giddy, Lucas, Gladding, Saunders, Hill, Neate, Hardcastle & Johny