MARCLIFF Gloucestershire County Football League

Ron's Match Reports

10^th May 2015 - Thornbury claim Les James League cup

Report by Jon Palmer

Nick Locke was denied a triumphant send off as Cheltenham Civil Service boss as his side were beaten by Thornbury Town in the final of the Les James League Cup.

Locke has guided Service to the Gloucestershire County League title at the first time of asking by an eight point margin.

Having agreed to take charge of Hellenic League Division One West club Cheltenham Saracens next term, this was his final game at the helm.

The Tewkesbury Road team were favourites to complete a league and cup double, but Pete Fowler’s goal in the final minute of the first half was enough to secure the silverware for Thornbury, who were runners-up in 2011.

Missing one of their key men in Teejay Bick, Service were out of sorts at Slimbridge’s Wisloe Road ground, rarely troubling Thornbury goalkeeper Alex Lippiatt.

Paul Holmes and leading marksman Jack Sklenar both tried their luck early on for Service, but Thornbury hit the woodwork in the 35^th minute.

A mistake by the otherwise excellent skipper Chris Pates allowed Rob Wilks to race through on goal and his shot beat Tim Griffiths, but cannoned back off the post.

Left-back Jamie Gowers was cautioned for a late challenge three minutes later and Service fell behind at the break after switching off as they tried to deal with a corner.

Luke Frankin’s delivery from the left was nodded in by centre-half Fowler, who had lost his marker and only a smart save from Griffiths prevented Dan Rees adding a second in time added on.

Free-scoring Service fired more than 100 goals during their County League campaign, but an impressive defensive display from Thornbury, with Nathan Sage outstanding, kept them out.

John Evans went closest to breaking through when he saw a low shot brilliantly turned up onto the bar by Lippiatt as it bounced in front of him.

Ryan Smith was tripped right on the edge of the box with referee Andrew Sheppard correctly awarding a free-kick rather than a penalty, but the set piece was wasted and Service had Connor Hart sent off for a lunge at Scott Macleod in the 74th minute.

Thornbury were also reduced to 10 men in the 84^th minute when Toby Bennett received a second yellow card for a foul on Cameron Smith.

Pates nodded a free-kick just wide and Service launched a late push for a leveller which would have taken the final to penalties.

Sage challenged Mark Jones in the penalty area in the dying seconds, but nothing was given and Thornbury, who finished fourth in the league, celebrated their deserved triumph.

Cheltenham Civil Service: T Griffiths, R Smith, J Gowers (M Jones 78), T Hoskins, C Pates, C Hart, S Midwinter, C Smith, P Holmes, J Sklenar, J Evans. Subs not used: J Bish, S Mitchinson, J Goodhall.

Thornbury Town: A Lippiatt, J Guest, T Webb, N Sage, P Fowler, T Bennett, S Macleod (D Thompson 79), N Irwin, R Wilks, D Rees (J Pirie 82), L Franklin. Subs not used: J Davies, J Lewis.

Referee: A Sheppard.

Attendance: 178.

2^nd May 2015 - Ellwood round off season with victory over champions

The last three league fixtures were completed today. The two new Clubs who entered the league at the start of the season have done remarkably well. Cheltenham Civil Service have finished as Champions with AEK Boco taking the Runners-up spot. At the other end of the table Berkeley Town have finished bottom with Patchway Town finishing one place above.

It was the final game of the season for the Champions a visit to in form Ellwood in the Forest of Dean with the home side inflicting only their second defeat of the season.

This was a cracking match to watch and although the visitors were the better footballing side you had to admire the determination and effort put in by the home side. Ellwood created the first chance after 3 minutes from a free kick on the left that was pumped over to the far post where Darryl Addis rose above the Cheltenham defence to head goalwards but it struck the top of the crossbar. It took the Champions until the 13^th minute to muster a shot on goal that was taken easily by home keeper Derek Roberts. A minute later Darryl Addis was on target from the edge of the box but keeper Tim Griffiths had it well covered. Cheltenham had a great chance to open the scoring on 21 minutes as Ryan Smiths cross from the right found the head of Jonny Evans but it went straight into the arms of Roberts. Ellwood grabbed the lead on 31 minute as Gary Wildin got clear down the right and sent a low cross into the six yard box that deceived everyone and crept in at the far post. The Champions had a great chance to level just 3 minutes later when Cameron Smith was upended in the box. Captain Teejay Bick chose to take the spot kick and decided to hit it straight down the middle but with Roberts moving to his left the keeper managed to get his legs to the ball and prevent it going in. A second goal on 39 minutes from the home side shook the visitors but it was really well executed by brothers Matt and Darryl Addis with Matt creating space down the right flank to pull the ball back for Darryl who was lurking just inside the box and although he did not get a clean strike on the ball it was enough to beat Griffiths at the far post. 3 minutes before the break Cheltenham pulled a goal back with some excellent passing culminating in Cameron Smith driving a fierce shot past Roberts.

The second 45 minutes failed to live up to the first half with Cheltenham having lots of possession and created several chance whilst the home side failed to get a shot on target but defended well with sheer determination to keep the visitors from scoring. Mark Jones went close for the champions in the 48^th minute a shot that had Roberts scurrying across goal but it went just wide of the post. Cameron Smith saw his 20 yard drive pushed around the post by Roberts on 56 minutes. Substitute Jamie Gower then turned on the edge of the box but his shot was just off target. Disappointment for the home in the first minute of added time as Substitute Ryan Pendry was sent off. After the game the Champions received their trophies from League Chairman Bob Stewart with the Ellwood players and Match Officials watching on.

Berkeley Town have had a dreadful season and have finished bottom of the table well behind in points to next from bottom Patchway Town. It was the same old story in their final game going down 1-0 at home to League Runners-up AEK Boco. The best chance for the home side fell to Jake Stevenson who saw his tremendous goal-bound shot tipped over the bar by Boco’s keeper in the first half. The home keeper Dan Gillison kept them in the game with some great saves until the 63^rd minute when a cross into the box was turned in by Boco’s Bradley Wheadon to score the only goal of the game. After the game had finished the Runners-up trophies were presented to the AEK Boco players by Dave Herbert Development Manager of the league.

Henbury’s final game ended all square at 1-1 but they got out of jail with a goal in the very last minute Aaron Anglin firing home the rebound from Kane Simpson’s shot that had struck the post. Gala must be disappointed to have only taken 1 point from this game after taking the lead on 3 minutes with a good shot from Jake Taylor.

25^th April 2015 - Cheltenham Civil Service shut out Sodbury, as AEK Boco finish Runners up

Cheltenham Civil Service dented Chipping Sodbury Town’s hopes of finishing with a win in their last game of the season. It could well be Sodbury’s last game in the Marcliff Gloucestershire County Football League as they have finished third in the table and have acquired the necessary Ground Grading Criteria to play at Step 6 next season. Sodbury could well have got something from this game but the difference was in the finishing and the excellent defending by the Champions.

The visitor’s got off to a good start and John Evans was prevented from putting them ahead by the legs of keeper George Hale after 8 minutes. On 15 minutes the home side had their first chance to open the scoring as an in-swinging corner from the left was bundled off the line by Cameron Smith. Jack Sklenar got the ball into the Sodbury net after a good build up but it was ruled out for offside. In the 30^th minute home keeper George Hale read Cameron Smiths free kick well and made the save look easy. On 34 minutes Justin Cattle broke through the Cheltenham defence and with a clear shot on goal looked odds on to score but keeper Tim Griffiths had other ideas as the striker shot he smothered the ball but it escaped back to Cattle whose second shot was pushed away by Griffiths for a corner. A rasping shot from James Mackie a couple of minutes later just cleared the visitors bar. Sodbury had a free kick on the left near the goal line that was pumped into the box and looked all the way a goal until Chris Pates got back to clear the ball off the line. 2 minutes before the break Cheltenham stole the lead. John Evans picked up the ball in midfield before threading it through for Jack Sklenar to run clear - round Hale and slide the ball into an empty net.

Sodbury were caught cold 2 minutes into the second half when Stuart Midwinter was put clear to hammer the ball past Hale for a 2-0 lead. Sklenar went very close to making it 3-0 in the 48^th minute his shot was just wide of the post. John Evans should have made it three in the 51^st minute when Hale had ventured out to edge of the box to try and clear the ball as it looping up for Evans to head at an empty goal but he only succeeded in putting it wide. Chances were not coming for the home side but on 72 minutes Danny Coombes had a great chance to pull a goal back for the home side but fired his shot straight at Griffiths. Good luck to Chipping Sodbury Town next season in their new venture at a higher level.

With still one fixture to play AEK Boco secured the runners-up spot with a 3-2 victory at Bishops Cleeve Reserves. James Laver gave Boco the lead on 10 minutes and Liam Powell made that 2-0 on 20 minutes with one of his special free kicks. Cleeves James Pickup reduced the arrears in the 25^th minute from the penalty spot and midway through the second half Adam Gill levelled the score with a header at the far post. Boco stole the three points right on 90 minutes with a goal from Liam Crewe.

Thornbury Town completed their league program with a comfortable 4-1 win over Gala Wilton at the Mundy Playing Fields. Town opened the scoring after 38 seconds when Dan Rees was put clear on the right then pulled the ball back for Rob Wilks to score. In the 12^th minute Gala gave the Thorns an opportunity that was grateful accepted when a back pass to the keeper was under hit Rob Wilks chased the ball down putting the keeper under pressure on the edge of the box, his clearance went straight to Dan Rees who from 35 yards drove the ball into the Gala net. In the 32^nd minute Pete Fowler set up Dan Rees to break clear and pick his spot to give thorns a 3-0 lead at the break. Gala were more determined at the start of the second half and a great 30 yard shot from Sam Hicks saw the Thorns keeper bring off a good save. The home side increased their lead in the 77^th minute when substitute Josh Pirie latched onto another poor pass back and rounded the keeper before tapping the ball into the net. In the 88^th minute Gala got a consolation goal and a fine effort it was as Mike Pilling took the ball with his back to goal before turning and striking his shot past keeper James Lewis. This win for Town has lifted them into fourth place in the table.

Henbury hit Kings Stanley for six and that means Stanley will now finish 5^th in the table. A hattrick for Jack Mills and a brace from Aaron Anglin accounted for five of the goals with the other netted by Reece Purnell. Jack Mills was responsible for Henbury’s first three goals the first after 26 minutes when he cut in from the right to drive the ball home. In the 40^th minute Kane Simpson was brought down in the box by the visitor’s keeper and Mills despatched the penalty. In the 50^th minute Mills completed his hattrick firing the ball home from a rebound after Kane Simpson‘s shot came back off the post. Aaron Anglin got the first of his two goals on 60 minutes this time it was Reece Purnell’s shot coming back off the post for Anglin to steer home. Anglin’s second goal on 75 minutes was an individual effort from the striker drifting past a couple of defenders before driving the ball into the net. Kings Stanley got a consolation goal on 80 minutes Ryan Stevenson heading home a free kick sent over by Sam Prior. The final goal was a neat bit of skill from Reece Purnell who squeezed the ball home between the keeper and the near post from a very acute angle.

18^th April 2015 - Cheltenham Civil Service ease to title

Cheltenham Civil Service are the new Marcliff Gloucestershire County Football League Champions after they thumped a very poor Southmead CS Athletic side 13-0.

The writing was on the wall right from the kick-off as Jack Sklenar broke down the left and fired a cracking left foot drive from a very tight angle past the visitor’s keeper Danny Cooke. Within a minute the home side went 2-0 up when Stuart Midwinter broke clear down the right before hammering the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box. Midwinter made it 3-0 on 14 minutes when he neatly skipped past his marker to drive the ball home. It was 4-0 after 22 minutes this time Sklenar forged down the left squared the ball across goal where Stuart Mitchinson was waiting to pounce. Southmead did not have any answer to the constant flow of attacks by the league leaders as Sklenar rounded the keeper to slide the ball into an empty net for number five after 35 minutes.

Worse was to come in the second half as the home side completely dominated the game and were practically parked in the Southmead half. A minute into the second half Stuart Mitchinson netted his second with a clear shot on goal from around 12 yards. Cameron Smith got in on the act in the 55^th minute hammering the ball into the net from just inside the box. Stuart Midwinter was put clear on goal in the 58^th minute to complete his hattick. Just a minute later Substitute Scott Goodhall made his mark with a fine goal just a minute later Jack Sklenar waltzed through the visitors defence to bring the score to double figures and complete his hattrick in the 62^th minute. Jamie Bish who had also come on as a substitute then made it 11-0 from the penalty spot just 2 minutes later. A second strike from Cameron Smith in the 68^th minute made it twelve and then Jack Sklenar headed home from a corner for the thirteenth. The home side eased off the gas as the visitors had to complete the game with 10 players after Luke Coghlan left the field with an injury and they had no substitutes. The visitors did show willing in the last 10 minutes creating several half chances but the result was never in doubt and if it had not been for some excellent saves from the visitor’s keeper Danny Cooke in the second half the score-line would have been much bigger.

Bishops Cleeve Res eased their relegation worries with a resounding 6-1 win over bottom Club Berkeley Town. Giles Elliott gave the home side the lead in the 15^th minute with a fine shot into the far corner. Chris Parsons made it 2-0 on 25 minutes and then Ben Robinson scored with a great shot from the edge of the box ten minutes later. Midway through the second half Ash Hill made it 4-0 when he scored direct from a corner. Then James Pickup netted the fifth from the penalty spot. Martin Smith pulled a goal back for Berkeley in the 80^th minute, but Cleeve’s Adam Gill replied three minutes later with a sixth.

Kingswood forgot to turn up was the comment I received after they were convincingly beaten 3-0 by Thornbury Town. This was Robert Wilks day as he netted all three for the Thorns. All three goals were balls played into space and Wilks out paced the home defence in the 44^th – 65^th and 75^th minute to secure his hattrick.

Yate Town Reserves find themselves in a relegation position and were well beaten by neighbours Chipping Sodbury Town. The home side started well but were pegged back when James Mackie netted for Sodbury after a good move down the right. Justin Cattle headed a second for the visitors and then right on half time an error by the Yate defence allowed Ben Weaver to score a third. Two minutes from the end Shaun Keet netted from the penalty spot for Yate, but Sodbury hit back with a fourth goal from Luke Meacham a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Kings Stanley’s performance was well below par on the day but the visitors Rockleaze Rangers took full advantage and came away with a 4-0 victory. James Griffiths gave the visitors the lead on 30 minutes with a shot from a very tight angle. Then right on half time Luke Flicker broke down the middle and with the home side appealing for offside and no flag forthcoming had the simple task to slip the ball into the net. A header from Adam Tyers put Rangers further ahead on 55 minutes and in the 70^th minute central defender Aaron Day scored at the far post to make it four.

AEK Boco are still looking for that runners-up spot after a 2-0 victory at Bristol Telephones. In what was described as a game with a lot of midfield play and few chances Boco took a half time lead when Jordan Scott scrambled the ball home. A crisp shot from the edge of the box by Liam Powell in the second half put the visitors 2-0 to the good. Telephones only real chance came from a Mike Grist free kick that struck the crossbar.

Two early goals one from each side settle the result at Henbury where Ellwood were the visitors. Darryl Addis put the visitors ahead on 3 minutes but a superb 30 yard strike from Adam Rosser on 15 minutes brought the scores level.

Patchway Town are hovering just outside the relegation zone after they went down 2-0 at home to Gala Wilton. A set piece which the home side failed to clear right on half time allowed Dave Wilkinson to give Gala the lead. A mix up in the home defence accounted for a second goal for the visitors put away by Mike Lee.

11^th April 2015 - FA Inter-Leagues Cup Gloucestershire County League 8 Dorset Football League 1

The Gloucestershire County Football League are through to the First Round proper of the FA National Inter-leagues Cup Competition after a resounding 8-1 result over the Dorset Football League

The weather conditions were sunny but a very strong southerly wind did not help the players. The home side got off to a steady start but was almost caught out in the 4^th minute when Dorset’s Josh Houghton broke clear but was unable to control the ball and it ran away for a goal kick. On 5 minutes the home side were awarded a free kick 35 yards out but Jack Sklenar’s shot was blocked and cleared. The unthinkable happened on 6 minutes when a James Mackie back pass from wide on the right was completely missed by the Gloucestershire keeper Joe Pople and the ball ran into the net. The home side were having loads of possession but failed to make the final pass tell until the 22^nd minute when Keiron Golding broke clear down the right and as he cut into the box was brought down with the referee pointed to the spot. Jack Sklenar the striker from Cheltenham Civil Service dispatched the spot kick with ease. Dorset had a half chance on 29 minutes as Danny Andrews had a clear shot on goal that saw Pople scurrying across goal and watch it go wide of the far post. In the 30^th minute James Mackie was clear through on goal and might have given Gloucestershire the lead but for a great save from the Dorset keeper Andy Nott. A further chance went begging before the half time break when Keiron Golding pulled his shot wide of the target.

It was a different tale in the second half with Gloucestershire dominating proceedings and grabbed an early lead 2 minutes into the half with sheer grit and determination from Jack Sklenar that saw the striker net his second goal with a lunge forward in the six yard box. Just 5 minutes later the home side went 3-1 up after James Mackie broke clear down the left and cut the ball back for Dhani Golding to flick the ball home. A real chance for Dorset to pull a goal back came in the 64^th minute when Joe Pople had to scramble the ball away for a corner. In the 67^th minute left full back Jack Baber turned in a Charlie Stevens free kick for a fourth goal. Then just 2 minutes later Gloucestershire scored a fifth this time it was Dhani Golding firing home from the edge of the box. A substitution for the home side on 70 minutes with Gary Simmons replacing Jack Sklenar. On 73 minutes Sam Jenkins who had been outstanding all afternoon drifted past several Dorset defenders before send a cross to the far post for James Mackie to slide home for number six. There was an unfortunate incident during the Mackie goal where Dorset’s Ashley Batchelor collided with the post and the game was held up for several minutes whilst he received treatment. Unfortunately he was unable to continue and was stretchered off and the medics were called to attend. It looks like the player has damaged some ligaments badly but refused to go to hospital in this area and will visit a hospital in Dorset when he gets home. James Mackie was replaced by Liam Powell a minute later. In the 73^rd minutes Simon Clark chased a loose ball into the corner neatly flicked the ball to Jenkins who drifted past a defender before squaring the ball back across goal for Garry Simmons to score. Golding almost netted again on 87 minutes but the shot was just wide. Gloucestershire were rampant and made it 8-1 0n 89 minutes when Simon Clark laid the ball back for Gary Simmons to net his second. 5 minutes into time added for the injury Dorset had their final chance on goal but it went well wide. Gloucestershire now eagerly await the draw to see who they will face in the next round.

6^th April 2015 - Cheltenham Civil Service inch towards title

Cheltenham Civil Service who are seven points clear at the top of the table need six points from their last six fixtures to secure the title.

Berkeley Towns who were defeated at Patchway Town today will finish bottom of the table.

Tewksbury Road was our destination today to take in the game between Cheltenham Civil Service and Chipping Sodbury Town. On a glorious sunny afternoon 128 spectators turned out to watch this top of the table clash. The home side started well and took the game to their opponents for the first 15 minutes. Teejay Bick sent his 25 yard free kick just over the bar in the second minute. In the 7^th minute the home side almost went ahead when a long ball into the Sodbury 6 yard box had keeper George Hale trying to fist the ball clear but succeeded in punching it across goal and Josh Cann clearing off the line as Paul Holmes closed in. Jack Sklenar starting his second game after a long injury problem broke clear down the left but could not keep his shot down as it disappeared over the bar. Sodbury’s first attempt on goal after 20 minutes came from Ben Weaver a low shot that home keeper Tim Griffiths did well to keep out. A couple of minutes later Chris Pates had to head the ball over his own bar from a well taken free kick from Sobdury. On 25 minutes the visitors were awarded another free kick 20 yards out and to the left of the box. Ollie Clark’s well flighted shot gave Griffiths no chance - 1-0 to the visitors. The home side had a good chance to pull a goal back from the edge of the box but Sklenar hit the free kick well over. A minute later cross from Sodbury’s Ben Weaver found Justin Cattle with a free header but the striker headed over the bar. The home side were fortunate in the 34^th minute when Jonny Evans was brought down in the box and Sklenar levelled the score from the spot. The home side almost took the lead on 39 minutes but Sklenar’s fierce drive hit the underside of the crossbar and was cleared. Sodbury got back in front in the 41^st minute when Liam Barrett’s drive was handled in the box but the ball finished up in the net and the referee allowed the goal. Just a minute before the break a long ball up field from the Sodbury keeper caught the home defence and their keeper out as James Mackie slipped the ball around Griffiths to roll it into an empty net.

For the first 32 minutes of the second half neither side were able to create anything until James Mackie made a good break down the left flank before striking his shot just wide. The home side got their first shot on target in the second half after 36 minutes when Holmes hit a low shot into the corner of the goal making Hale dive to save. A minute later and out of the blue Cheltenham pulled a goal back from a harmless looking cross from the left to the edge of the box for Cameron Smith to drive the ball into the corner of the net. A rare attack from the visitors a few minutes later and a cracking cross shot from James Mackie saw Griffiths at full stretch to push to ball away. At the other end Holmes fired over with the goal at his mercy and then in the last minute of the game the home side got the all important goal to give them a point. Teejay Bick sent the ball up to Paul Holmes and he headed it down for Jonny Evans to drive the ball past Hale.

A huge turn out at Southmead 378 spectators for the local derby between Southmead CS Athletic and Henbury. Southmead were attempting to get the upper hand over their rivals for the first time. It turned out to be a goalless first 45 minutes but then the home side took the lead in the 55^th minute with a goal from Dwayne Pope and they looked as though they had done enough to win for the first time until the 85^th minute when there was a handball situation in the box and Jack Mills levelled the score from the spot.

Patchway Town’s 4-1 defeat of Berkeley Town will see Berkeley finish in last place in the table this season. Mitch Brooks gave Patchway the lead on 20 minutes firing home after Matt Davis’s shot had rebounded off the keeper. It was Davies who made it 2-0 on 32 minutes hitting a low shot into the corner from the edge of the box. Matt Davies was involved again in the third goal crossing for Ashley Hawkins to head home 6 minute later. In the first minute of the second half Berkeley pulled a goal back Joe Blakeney heading in after a cross came in from the right. Patchway’s Craig Horseman completed the scoring in the last minute of the game when he rounded the visitor’s keeper to slide the ball into an empty net.

Hanham Athletic final game of the season at Thornbury Town was not what they would have wanted as they slid to their 21st defeat of the season. It took the home side just 5 minutes to take the lead as Mark Viner’s mishit shot was seized upon by Josh Pirie to drive the ball home. The visitors hit back in the 25^th minute with a superb goal from Adam Grinter who picked the ball up in his own half before venturing just inside towns half and unleashing a 45 yard shot that simply whistled into the Thornbury net. In the second period Thorns Pete Fowler had a shot cleared off the line before Luke Franklin was tripped in the box for a penalty on 60 minutes. Tom Webb stroked the ball into the Hanham net from the spot. The game finished on a sour note as Hanham had Jason Hallet sent off for a second bookable offence.

Ellwood kept a third clean sheet in a row at Frampton United but with neither side able to find the back of the net it ended 0-0. Frampton’s best chance in the first half fell to Matt Cook after 6 minutes but his final touch saw his effort fly over the bar. In the 42^th minute Scott Gearon kept Frampton in the game when he brought off a good save to deny Matt Addis’s header going in. A Kris Bulley cross on 72 minutes saw Jake Ward’s header strike the crossbar.

4^th April 2015 - Bishops Cleeve leave Berkley rooted to foot of table

Cheltenham Civil Service look favourites for the championship after their win at AEK Boco opened up a six point gap. Chipping Sodbury Town were held to a draw at home to Rockleaze Rangers and Kings Stanley lost at Thornbury Town.

Berkeley Town look like they will finish bottom of the table after their home defeat by Bishops Cleeve Reserves. Patchway Town and Yate Town Reserves are the two teams immediately above.

After visiting a top of the table clash last week our travels today took us to the foot of the table where bottom Club Berkeley Town were hosting next to bottom Bishops Cleeve Reserves. The home side desperately needed to win this game to give them any chance of climbing up the table.

The home side got off to a dreadful start conceding a goal in the first minute from a harmless looking cross into the box by Rob White that Giles Elliott headed home. Berkeley’s Paul Brooks had a good chance in the 6^th minute but he fired his shot high over the bar. The visitors went two goals up on 17 minutes from an in-swinging corner from the left by Giles Elliott that found Adam Gill’s head. Berkeley mustered several attacks midway through the half and the second effort ended with Tom Andrews hitting a good shot on target from a difficult angle that saw Cleeve keeper making his first save of the game. Berkeley should have pulled a goal back in the 27^th minute when Cleeve’s keeper Adams spilled the ball and Paul Brooks then found he had an open goal to aim at but hit his shot wide of the target. Berkeley’s veteran keeper Lee Mason had to be at his best to prevent another good shot from Giles Elliott making it 3-0 on 30 minutes.

Right from the off of the second half the visitors pushed hard and Dan White’s shot just cleared the bar. Then Elliott broke through but fired well over the bar. James Pickup then saw his free kick from 20 yards clip the top of the crossbar. Cleeve scored a third on 71 minutes after two Berkeley Players collided in the box and the ball sitting up nicely for Luke Skears to lob the ball over Mason from 12 yards. There was a considerable hold up as Chris Andrews needed lengthy treatment on his nose and eventually had to leave the field. Town were now down to ten players but soldiered on regardless but never really threatening the visitor’s goal. Cleeve got their fourth and final goal in time added at the end of 90 minutes with a cross from the right that was turned in by James Pickup.

Cheltenham Civil Service travelled to second in the table AEK Boco and came away with a very good 3-0 win. It was an evenly matched first half with the visitors playing the more composed football and creating more attacking options. The visitors got the opening goal on 38 minutes from a set piece that was pumped into the box parried by keeper Joe Pople but picked up by Jack Sklenar to give them the lead. The visitors went 2-0 up on 76 minutes when Rich Sperring gave away a penalty – Teejay Bick made sure from 12 yards. Within 2 minutes Cheltenham scored again this time it was Jack Sklenar getting his second of the afternoon with a clinical finish.

Chipping Sodbury Town are lying third in the table but were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Rockleaze Rangers. The first 45 minutes did not produce much in the way of chances the highlight which should have given the home side the lead was a penalty award in the 37^th minute after Rangers defender Aaron Day up ended Sam Jenkins – Tim Baker was the player given the chance from 12 yards but saw his shot well saved by Rangers keeper Sam Burgess. Rangers took the lead on 48 minutes from a well taken 25 yard free kick from Montell Ferguson that finished up in the bottom corner of the Sodbury net. This woke the home side up and they started to get control of the game and in the 70^th minute James Mackie headed home at the far post from a Danny Coombes cross.

A single goal was enough for Thornbury Town to take all 3 points in their home fixture with Kings Stanley. A barren first 45 minutes with neither side being able to create a chance and Stanley reduced to 10 men after 29 minutes when Tom Pass was sent off for a bad tackle.. That deadlock was broken in the 65^th minute with a superb goal. Town had been applying pressure forcing several corners and it was from a corner that the ball bounced nicely for Dan Rees to perform an excellent overhead kick from 12 yards giving the visitor’s keeper no chance. No further chances ensued but Stanley’s were reduced to nine men in the 85^th minute when Sam Prior was sent off for a second yellow card offence.

Ellwood have at last come through that terrible bad patch and won their third game in a row to lift them back up the table. Their visitors today was Bristol Telephones who are the leagues leading goal-scorers this season. But that did not deter the home side as they took the lead in the 15^th minute when Darryl Addis netted from the penalty spot. A second goal from brother Matt Addis on 55 minutes secured the three points.

Henbury lost this home game with Frampton United 3-0 but they missed three glorious chances in the first 45 minutes that may have told a different story. Frampton’s Steve Jackson capitalised on a mistake by the Henbury keeper to head them into the lead on 55 minutes. Jackson then split the home defence open to score again on 75 minutes and a late breakaway goal from Matt Cook saw the visitors march away with the 3 points.

A very good first half performance from Kingswood at Gala Wilton saw them come away with a 2-1 victory. A mix up in the home defence allowed Simon Clark to give Kingswood the lead on 25 minutes. An error by the home goalkeeper gave away a very soft goal netted by Dan Gayner early in the second half. The home side trailing 2-0 were given a lifeline in the 75^th minute when Sammie Hicks struck a superb shot into the top corner. Gala almost managed to take a point late on when Ellis Waugh through ball found Josh Holford but he sent his effort wide of the target

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