Gloucestershire County League

4^th January 2026 - Quedgeley Wanderers start year with win

Mark Simpson

Not a good start to 2026, a bit of frost and six games off. Only Quedgeley v Broadwell survived.

At Waterwells, Quedgeley Wanderers produced a strong all-round performance to secure a convincing 4-1 victory over Broadwell Amateurs. The hosts started the match brightly and almost took a ninth minute lead when Fin Jenner latched onto a Dylan Venn clearance, rounded Jack Watkins but dragged his effort wide. Broadwell responded with physical intensity but it was Quedgeley who continued to press, with Stokes and Jenner both forcing corners. The breakthrough for QW arrived on the half-hour mark from a corner superbly delivered by Riley Stokes with Henry Miles rising highest at the back post to head Quedgeley into a deserved lead. However, the advantage was short-lived as a sloppy touch at the back left Broadwell’s Jamie Belfitt through on goal and he calmly lifted the ball over Kieran Derbyshire for 1-1. Quedgeley responded well and after Fin Jenner had pulled a good chance wide of the goal he made amends, when picked out by Alfie Pledgers excellent 40-yard pass, rounding Watkins to confidently finish and restore the lead. And, it was only moments later when Henry Miles was fouled inside the box allowing Venn to cooly convert the resultant spot-kick. After half time Broadwell looked to get back into the game and had a free kick narrowly wide and forced a good save by Derbyshire from a goalmouth scramble. But as the game wore on Quedgeley generally remained in control and despite ten minutes in the sin-bin for Venn and Broadwell picking up a couple of yellows in frustration they were able to see the game out. The result was sealed in the 86th minute when Oli Barnett’s cross was headed back into the danger area and Miles showed great footwork to twist and fire the ball into the top-corner for 4-1, giving Quedgeley a comfortable and deserved victory.