Erdington & Saltley 2-0 Gloucester by Awayday Blues
Gloucester B travelled to the well appointed and welcoming Hollyfield Club for a Midland Challenge Trophy game against Erdington & Saltley. A feature of the team’s performances this season has been their somewhat erratic nature – and the trend continued in the West Midlands. Following a great win last time out against Swansea, the coaches were hopeful that a corner had been turned, though sadly they were mistaken and the only real positives that could be taken from the day were that it didn’t rain and the sandwiches and chips were very nice.
Gloucester starter the brighter and Thomas provided the first opportunity for Randall but his tame shot was saved. Taylor then made a driving run through on goal but the keeper was out quickly to smother the danger.
The game then stagnated for a period as neither side was able to put together any meaningful moves until Erdington were allowed to run through the centre of the pitch and Hynan was given time and space to fire them into the lead, courtesy of a powerful shot that evaded the dive of Sargeant in the visitor’s goal.
The second third was mistake-ridden and meant that the game lacked any flow and very few goal scoring opportunities were created, a long range effort from Thomas being the exception, but Johnson in the Erdington goal saved well. At the other end Williamson, having a good game in an unfamiliar defensive role made two fine interceptions in quick succession to deny the home side.
The final third was another scrappy affair but at least more chances were created, Randall hitting the bar for the away side after a positive driving run down the right wing.
The Midlanders responded with a right flank attack of their own, forcing Sargeant into a great save, diving low to his left to stop what seemed a certain goal. Just after though, Erdington extended their lead. A breakaway effort following a mistake in the Gloucester defence gave Cranston a free run on goal and he was able to finish smartly.
The host’s victory was fully deserved, but it could and should have been so different if more than two players (Sargeant and defender Limbrick) had turned up in a more positive and focused mood. Lessons to be learned, perhaps?
Gloucester: Sargeant; Thomas, Hayes, Limbrick; Laverton, Taylor, Harris, Randall, Williamson. Sub: Ansermoz.
Gloucester starter the brighter and Thomas provided the first opportunity for Randall but his tame shot was saved. Taylor then made a driving run through on goal but the keeper was out quickly to smother the danger.
The game then stagnated for a period as neither side was able to put together any meaningful moves until Erdington were allowed to run through the centre of the pitch and Hynan was given time and space to fire them into the lead, courtesy of a powerful shot that evaded the dive of Sargeant in the visitor’s goal.
The second third was mistake-ridden and meant that the game lacked any flow and very few goal scoring opportunities were created, a long range effort from Thomas being the exception, but Johnson in the Erdington goal saved well. At the other end Williamson, having a good game in an unfamiliar defensive role made two fine interceptions in quick succession to deny the home side.
The final third was another scrappy affair but at least more chances were created, Randall hitting the bar for the away side after a positive driving run down the right wing.
The Midlanders responded with a right flank attack of their own, forcing Sargeant into a great save, diving low to his left to stop what seemed a certain goal. Just after though, Erdington extended their lead. A breakaway effort following a mistake in the Gloucester defence gave Cranston a free run on goal and he was able to finish smartly.
The host’s victory was fully deserved, but it could and should have been so different if more than two players (Sargeant and defender Limbrick) had turned up in a more positive and focused mood. Lessons to be learned, perhaps?
Gloucester: Sargeant; Thomas, Hayes, Limbrick; Laverton, Taylor, Harris, Randall, Williamson. Sub: Ansermoz.
