News and Match Reports

29th January 2022 - Shirehampton beat Patchway Town to stay clear at top

Ron Holpin

results

Shirehampton and Wick both won today keeping up their challenge for the title.

Playing in front of a crowd of 63 Shirehampton secured 3 more points at home against Patchway Town in their quest to become this year’s champions of the MGCFL. Playing some attractive football at times It took only 5 minutes for Shirehampton to open the scoring with a 20-yard strike from prolific goal scorer Scott Bamford striking the ball above Sam Burgess and into the Patchway net. Only a minute later Patchway were awarded a penalty following a foul, only for Patchway’s Phil Vice spot kick to be saved by Shirehampton’s custodian Matt Turner. Shirehampton kept the pressure on and in the 43rd minute were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Patchway penalty area following a foul on Charlie Pollinger, Town keeper Sam Burgess comfortably saving the Rich Brightwell effort.

In the second half Shirehampton started the brighter of the two sides with Sam Burgess making a comfortable save but it was Patchway who came close seconds later forcing Turner to palm the ball around his right post. The home side then went close to a second when Jamie Horgan was denied by the quick-thinking Burgess who was quick of his line to smother the ball. Jamie Horgan got Shirehampton’s second when the ball ran lose in Patchway penalty area leaving Horgan to slot the ball home in the 64th minute. with 26 minutes still left in the game Patchway’s Paul Noyes handled the ball right on the goal- line giving the referee no alternative but to issue a straight red card Bamford secured his second of the game from the penalty spot. Patchway kept working at the game until the final whistle but to no avail with the game ended 3-0 to the home side.

A sunny but windy afternoon at English Bicknor who were entertaining second in the table Wick. With Bicknor parting company with their manager in the week and several players leaving it looked as though it was going to be a tough afternoon. However, the home side did manage to get some new recruits to take the place of the departing players and what a good show they put on. Wick had much of the possession, but the home side fought hard with Wick having the first attempt on goal that cleared the bar on 10 minutes. A free kick 25 yards out on 23 minutes for Wick was taken by Mike Hardiman but it cleared the bar. A few minutes later another shot this time from Joe Thomas went well wide. The visitors had a great chance to take the lead on 38 minutes from the penalty spot and Wick keeper Jamie Powell was called upon to dispatch the 12-yard shot on goal, but his shot struck the upright and it was cleared. Towards the end on the half Wick forced several corners but the home defence held out. Bicknor forced an early corner in the second half but nothing came of that effort on goal then in the 52nd minute Wick broke away down the left and Mike Hardiman found the back of the Bicknor net for a 1-0 lead. On 68 minutes the home side surprised Wick when they broke away and George Riley scored from the edge of the box to make it 1-1. Just 5 minutes elapsed before the visitors got their noses back in front from a cross in from the right by Mike Hardiman headed back across goal by Rob Moore and Ben Weaver hit the ball high into the net. Right at the end Bicknor won a corner but the Wick keeper Powell was able to punch clear and the ball was then fired wide.

Quedgeley Wanderers v Ruardean Hill Rangers, 9 minutes into this game, Aaron Underwood saved a great volley from Sean Lawson. The 21st minute brought the first goal for Quedgeley, Jack Hornsby finishing from close range after Pat Freeman had sent over a great cross. On 40 minutes Walter Greenwood set up Sean Lawson to make it 2-0 In the 51st minute Jimmy Thomas saw his effort saved on the line. Rangers first real chance on 55 minutes was well kept out by keeper Ben Holborough. Good inter play between Kyle James-Bryan and Henry Birkett on 80 minutes saw Birkett’s header cleared off the line. A third goal for Quedgeley on 83 minutes a great turn and lay off by Dan Lander with Henry Birkett hitting the top corner of the net. Then right on time a fourth goal for the home side Henry Birkett slipped past a defender and squared the ball to Walter Greenwood for a tap in.

On a bright and blustery afternoon at Hardwicke it was the away side, Little Stoke, who took an early lead after 12 minutes a corner was swept in but unfortunately was not cleared by the home defence and Jaidon Holver tapped the ball in from 5 yards. Little Stoke increased the lead after 25 minutes when a free kick from 30 yards was struck high but hard and Luke Meacham headed past keeper Hall. 5 minutes later Hardwicke were blown away when another Alex Hill freekick was again struck hard and the ball deflected off Will Matthews’s head and foiled stranded keeper Oliver Hall. Going 3-0 behind at half time Hardwicke were hoping that the wind would assist them in the second half. Hardwicke’s Will Matthews fired just over after 59 minutes with a fierce shot but the home sides persistence paid off when Rob Hine scored for the home side after 63 minutes when he headed home an Adam Bloomfield freekick. The home side revival was short lived when a Luke Meecham shot bounced off Pat Vernall and into the net. The game ended 4-1 to Little Stoke bringing an end to Hardwicke’s run of four victories in a row.

Frampton United pipped today’s visitors Bromley Heath United 2-0 in difficult windy conditions. The visitors started well and went close on two occasions the sixteenth and nineteenth minute. But the game remained goalless for the first 45 minutes. The deadline was broken on 71 minutes when Manolo Espada was on his way to goal and was brought down in the box and then took the penalty himself for a 1-0 lead to the home side. A second goal from Stuart Maule saw the home side take the 3 points.

Hanham Athletic twice took the lead in their home game with Henbury this afternoon but ended up finally losing 3-2. An early chance for the home side in the 1st minute but Liam Jenkin’s pulled his shot wide. They did however take the lead on 7 minutes from a Kristian Lee free kick on the edge of the box firing the ball into the far corner. On 14 minutes home keeper Sam Brown saved well to retain the lead. Then on 17 minutes Hanham went down to 10 men when George Latham was shown a straight red card. Henbury took full advantage and levelled the score through Jensen Manning just a minute later. The home side regained the lead in the 55th minute when Paul Coles was brought down in the box and Nathan Flower slotted in the resulting penalty. The lead last just 5 minutes as Kane Manning beat a couple of defenders to level the score once again. With just a couple of minutes left Hanham keeper Sam Brown made a great save to keep the score level but right on time there was a mela in the Hanham box, a penalty was awarded and Kane Manning hit the winner for the visitors from the spot.

Rockleaze Rangers 1 Gala Wilton 1 both goals coming in the first 18 minutes of the game. Sam Bailey set up Miles Hatfield on 9 minutes to tap in after some good build up play from Nathan Goodwin-Worrell, then on 18 minutes a 23-yard strike from Gala’s Martin Smith levelled the score. Gala then took control of the game and on 34 minutes home keeper Gorazd Gigov made an outstanding save finger tipping the ball over the bar from a Dan Gaynor effort. An even better save was to follow by the keeper just tipping the ball onto the crossbar from a Ben Sluman dipping shot. Gala continued to push but Gigov was in excellent form and denied several more scoring chances for the visitors. Then in the 84th minute Gala’s Sam Webb was dismissed for impeding Sam Bailey on his way to goal but nothing came from the free kick awarded. Gala should and could have won this game in the 90th minute but somehow Martin Smith failed to finish from 3 yards on the back post. 2 minutes in to time added Rangers could have won the game but Dan Webb clear through on goal could not get the ball past the Gala keeper.

Broadwell Amateurs and Sharpness who currently lie fourth and fifth in the table played out a 1-1 draw at Hawthorns today. This was an end-to-end game throughout with Sharpness shading possession in the early stages. A very lively Harrison Reeve pulling the strings for the visitors. But it was the home side that went ahead on 12 minutes when a cross from the right evaded two Sharks defenders and dropped nicely for Kieran James to place the ball into the Sharks net. The visitors then hit the crossbar and the post during the first half but the score remained 1-0 to the home side at the break. The home side decided to use the long ball tactic for the second period but Sharpness dealt with this system quite well. On 60 minutes the Sharks were given a free kick 25 yards out and slightly to the right and Harrison Reeves curled the ball over the wall and into the far corner to make it 1-1. The last 30 minutes never really lived up to the first 60 minutes and became a bit scrappy with the visitors just shading possession. The final verdict was a draw was a fair result on reflection of play.

27th January 2022 - Les James League Semi-Final Draw

The Semi-Final draw for the Les James League Cup sponsored by Boca Teamwear is as below.

  • Ruardean Hill Rangers v Broadwell Amateurs - 26 February 2022 14:00 KO
  • Wick v Little Stoke - 19 March 2022 14:00 KO

Amendments to league fixtures to accomodate these ties have been sent to clubs and added to Full-Time.

22nd January 2022 - Ruardean Hill Rangers get big win in Forest clash

Ron Holpin

results

Ruardean Hill Rangers won this clash of the Forest of Dean Clubs with a 5-1 success over English Bicknor. Leading goal scorer for Rangers Steve Clark finding the back of the net on four occasions. Rangers went ahead after just 5 minutes when a header from Shaun Tingle set up Steve Clark for his first of the afternoon. English Bicknor had a great chance to level the score when Darryl Addis was put clear on goal but Ranger’s keeper Arron Underwood saved well pushing the ball wide of the goal. Bicknor carved out another good chance to level on 39 minutes but Underwood saved a great header from James Davies following a cross from Darryl Addis. 2 minutes into the second half Rangers made it 2-0 Steve Clark controlled a long ball slipped his defender and then drove the ball past keeper Craig Edwards. Just a minute later Bicknor pulled a goal back with Jamie Davies find the back of the Rangers net. Rangers might have scored again on 50 minutes when Luke Johnson arrived at the back post only to see his goal-bound effort brilliantly saved by Edwards. 53 minutes Clark completed his hattrick lobbing Edwards from a Cornwall-Boote cross. Clark was brought down in the box on 80 minutes and then took the penalty to make it 4-1. The final straw for Bicknor came in the 89th minute when they put through their own goal.

Gala Wilton hit today’s opponent’s basement Club Hanham Athletic for eight without reply. The visitors had the very first chance to score after 6 minutes but home keeper Lewis Skyers kept them out. Gala started the onslaught on 9 minutes when Jay Dare broke down the right crossed the ball into Ben Sluman to drive it into the Hanham net. On 20 minutes an Alex Gayner shot was parried by the visitor’s keeper but brother Dan was following in to make it 2-0 and the first of his 4 goals of the afternoon. Martin Smith was unlucky on 26 minutes when his shot hit the post following a Ben Sluman’s cross. Smith made up for that miss on 34 minutes smashing the ball home for a 3-0 lead. Minutes later Dan Gayner hit his second following a good through ball. He then went on to complete his hattrick on 44 minutes after being set up by Martin Smith. With just a minute before half time Gala made it 6-0 Jordan Molyneux cross was turned in by Martin Smith. In the second half both sides made changes but the home side increased their lead on 83 minutes when Ben Sluman cut in from the right and hit a lovely left foot shot into the visitor’s net. With just 2 minutes left Gala were awarded a penalty with Dan Gayner stepping up to notch his fourth goal of the game.

Henbury v Hardwicke reported as a drab affair on a difficult pitch was settled by a Jordan Dowdeswell free kick for the away side on 22 minutes. It proved to be the highlight of a game with very few chances fashioned by either side. Kane Manning’s had the best chances for Henbury, firing narrowly wide with a fierce strike from 25 yards on 11 minutes and on 35 minutes blasting over from 15 yards out after a fumble by the Hardwicke goalkeeper. The second half passed with nothing of note happening and the referee put us all out of our misery by blowing the final whistle.

Just the one goal in the game between Patchway Town and Frampton United saw the three points head back up the M5. 3 minutes in Frampton’s Harvey Cowley had his shot blocked on the line by Patchway’s Joel Gayle. Then on 21 minutes Cowley hit the upright and the ball deflect of the home keeper and out for a corner. The home side’s best chance in the first 45 minutes fell to Joe Barnes who completely miskicked after Adam Potter had set the chance up. Cowley saw another good effort on goal fly just wide in the 53rd minute. Frampton finally broke through in the 66th minute the ball fell kindly to Ryan Ford on the edge of the box and his shot flew into the net hitting the post on it’s way in. A cross into the Frampton box on 75 minutes found Barry Phillips but as the ball hit Phillips it went straight into the Frampton keepers’ arms.

Sharpness and Rockleaze Rangers enjoyed a lively 1-1 draw with Sharpness enjoying the better chances. In the first half Brad Gibbs scored after Rangers failed to clear a corner. Sharpness had several good chances with Ranger’s goalkeeper Jordan Dunning making an important one handed save to prevent the lead doubling. Will Lacey was unfortunate when his effort on goal hit the bar, with Rockleaze holding the score to 1-0 at half time. Rockleaze grew into the second half and hit Sharpness on the break with Zayd Alli finishing a good move down the right side. An open game which failed to offer any further goals with both sides sharing the points in the end.

Little Stoke entertained Quedgeley Wanderers today but slipped up when they were beaten 4-2 by the visitors. Wanderers got off to a great start after 10 minutes breaking away for Henry Birkett to give them the lead. Little Stoke’s Jack Burgess almost levelled on 15 minutes but his shot struck the crossbar. Another break-away by the visitors on 38 minutes led to a second goal from Henry Birkett tapping in from 10 yards. Then in the 42nd minute Wanderers were 3-0 up from a long diagonal ball that was flicked onto Jack Hornsby and with a one-on-one situation slipped the ball home. With just a minute left before the break Little Stoke pulled a goal back when Tovey was brought down in the box and Aaron West netted the spot kick. Two minutes into the second half Stoke were caught out again when Wanderers Rory Cawkwell broke down the right cut in and from a tight angle made it 4-1. The home side pulled a second goal back on 70 minutes when the ball was hit low and hard into the goalmouth and Alex Fox was there to tap home from 5 yards.

Bromley Heath United gained a valuable three points with a 2-0 win over today’s opponents Broadwell Amateurs. The home side got off to a good start and went 1-0 up after 7 minutes when Antonio Nurse was brought down in the box for a penalty, Nathan Rose stepped up and sent the ball into the back of the Broadwell net. The visitors first real effort on goal came on 25 minutes a rasping shot from Ethan Wilkins which was well saved by keeper Will Ferguson. On 30 minutes Jack Withey struck the Broadwell crossbar from a tight angle. The last 5 minutes of the first half belonged to the visitors but they found the home defence solid. They did however get the ball in the back of the Bromley net but it was ruled out for offside. Broadwell started the second half much better and pushed the home side hard, but Bromley weathered the storm and gradually got back into the game. In the 85th minute the home side were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the box after Sam Edwards had been brought down. Luke Bessell took the free kick and he managed to get it over the wall and into the Broadwell net for a 2-0 win.

Les James League Cup Second Round - Sponsored by Boca Teamwear

results

Today saw the last Quarter Final between Wick and Shirehampton, with the pitch looking fantastic for January after a frosty week, slightly heavy underfoot, Shires captain Matt McCall kicked off their first ever game at the Nest. The game started competitively with both sides looking to take advantage of the perfect surface. Wick had the first chance of the game after 2 minutes when Rob Moore capitalised on a mix up between Gerard Robinson and Adam Thorne, but his shot was well saved by Shire’s keeper, Matt Turner, pushing it past the near post. From the resulting Ben Harris corner, Wick did open the scoring on 3 minutes, when Rob Moore rose the highest to power his header into the Shirehampton net. Over the next 10 minutes, both defences were put under pressure, but no one could find the killer pass to alter the score. Shire had their first attempt of the game after 18 minutes, following their 2nd corner, when Richard Brightwell found Matthew McCall but his header was cleared by Wick’s Sam Thomas. With 15 mins to go, Wick were dominating the midfield, and firing crosses from both flanks, with Joe Thomas going close from the left after cutting in past Shire’s full back Ryan Dunn. 5 minutes later, Sam Thomas collected the ball from Nathan Gore, but his shot was tipped over the bar by Shire’s Turner. Turner was again brought into action, on 40 minutes, when he saved low to his right following a Ben Harris shot from just inside the box. With 3 minutes to go, Shire had sight of goal, when a Brightwell corner was spilt by Wick’s debutant keeper, Jamie Powell, but Shire’s Joseph Harvey was unable to stab the ball into the Wick net while being challenged by Wick’s centre half, James Pocock. Harvey had another half chance with 1 minute to go, but this time Powell saved well low to his left. Shire had very little answers to Wick’s constant possession and grit in the tackle, with Turner making a number of fine saves to keep the score 1-0 at HT.

Wick started the second half in the same fashion as the first, and again after 2 minutes James Pocock header from a Ben a Harris corner flicked past the Shire upright. For the next 10 minutes, both teams were matching each other across the park, with keepers untested. On 58 minutes, Wick went close again, Ben Harris was the provider, from a right sided corner, with Pocock’s header hitting the crossbar after Shire’s Robinson felled to clear from the 6-yard area. Shire’s first opportunity of the half came on 64 minutes when Ryan Nunn’s cross shot straight across Wick’s six-yard area with no-one able to get on the end. On 70 minutes, after a strong challenge on Wick’s Ben Harris, tempers flared and Wick’s Nathan Gore was shown a straight red. Gore was struck in the face by Shires manager and he was given a red card. Wicks Powell was brought into action again after 73 minutes, when he saved well at the feet of Shire’s Joseph Harvey. Wick continued to soak up pressure in the closing 10 minutes, but Shire were unable to use the extra man for their advantage. Harvey continued to run his heart out, but Wick’s defence held firm. The last attempt of the game fell to Shire’s Richard Brightwell, but his cross was well defended by Wick’s Russ Woodford. The game ended 1 - 0 to Wick, with both teams running themselves into the ground.

20th January 2022 - Promotion and Relegation

Nigel Meaney

The following clubs have applied for promotion to Step 6 of the National League System for Seaaon 2022/3

  • Sharpness
  • Shirehampton
  • Wick

Clubs applying to join the league have until 31st January to return their completed application forms to the League Secretary.

Two clubs will be relegated and replaced by the two successful applicants as determined by the GFA rules for promotion in the local football pyramid. This may involve playoff matches arranged by the GFA between applicants if necessary

15th January 2022 - Hardwicke win Gloucester derby

Ron Holpin

results

With Wick not playing today it gave leaders Shirehampton chance to open up a 6-point lead at the top of the table. Sharpness however, moved into third place with a comfortable win at Hanham Athletic.

In the local Gloucester derby between Hardwicke and Gala Wilton it was home side who took an early two-minute lead. A Gala attack was broken down by left back Jordan Dowdeswell who then raced down the wing and centred to Will Mathews to power his header into the Gala net. Two minutes later a Hardwicke attack on Gala’s goal saw Freddie Humphries strike the ball towards an empty net but it was cleared off the line by Callum Thomas. The home side were clearly keen to extend their lead and on 30 minutes Pat Vernall’s placed shot was steered around the post by Gala keeper Lewis Skyers. Just before half time Hardwicke were awarded a penalty when winger James Ratcliffe was brought down. Will Mathews fired the ball low and hard to the left of the goal but keeper Skyers made an excellent save. Hardwicke went into the changing room at half time feeling they should have more reward for their first half dominance. After 70 minutes Ben Sluman of Gala was sent to the sin-bin. Hardwicke took advantage of the additional player and James Ratcliffe crossed the ball for Skipper Glen Gittins to head past the stranded Skyers. Gala came back into the game and almost pulled one back when a cross from Dan McNally was headed over the bar by Martin Smith. Gala did eventually pull one back in the final minute when Jon Antonio scored to make the final score 2-1 to Hardwicke

Hanham Athletic were unable to stop Sharpness as they went down to a 5-2 home defeat. Will Lacey opened the scoring for the Sharks on 25 minutes, but the home side hit back just before the break with a goal from Mike Alvis. Will Lacey then netted a second. Alex Higgs scored again on 49 minutes to give them a 3-1 lead. Harrison Reeves netted number five in the 50th minute after a scramble in the Hanham goalmouth. Alex Higgs grabbed a second for himself to make it 5-1 and with just 5 minutes to go Hanham’s Joss Gibbs scored from the penalty spot to make the final score 5-2 to Sharpness.

English Bicknor suffered another defeat this time going down 2-1 to today’s opponents Little Stoke. Stoke took the lead on 20 minutes with a goal from Alex Hill. With the home side having plenty of possession they eventually equalised when Jasper Cramp scored. The home side had a great chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, but Lewis Bamford’s spot kick was well saved by the Stoke keeper. Stoke took all three points when they broke away late on and Jaidon Holver netted to make the final score 2-1 to the visitors.

The game between Rockleaze Rangers and Bromley Heath United finished all square after a 1-1 draw. A lot of this game was played in midfield with the visitors shading possession in the first half and the home side shading it in the second 45 minutes. Dan Webb was unlucky on 19 minutes after some good play between him and Peter Ireland with Webb’s curling shot striking the upright. For the visitors the two Nurse brothers gave the home side some anxious moments but never managed to break through. On 48 minutes Dunning in the home goal saved well with his legs from an Alvin Nurse effort and Dunning brought off another good save from a Withey drive on 55 minutes pushing the ball around the post for a corner. Rangers were gifted a goal on 68 minutes with an awful mix up in the Bromley defence that allowed Jay Moore a clear shot into an empty net. Just when it looked as though the home side were going to grab all three points Bromley’s Sam Edward hit a tremendous shot from the edge of the box that flew past Dunning in the Rangers goal to make it all square.

Shirehampton recovered from a goal down at half time to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points after seeing off a dogged Ruardean Hill Rangers side. The home side should have been a couple of goals ahead before a long delay in play due to a serious injury to Luke Brown. When play did resume Shirehampton were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal as in the ninth minute of first half injury time great work down the left from Tommy Coleman was rewarded as he broke the offside trap and slotted the ball past Matt Turner to give Ruardean the half time lead. Shirehampton came out in the second half with an increased determination, and they were level after 54 minutes when Scott Bamford turned brilliantly and tucked the ball into the bottom corner. Bamford turned provider 4 minutes later when he cut in from the right and delivered a perfect ball into the 6-yard box for Jack Parker to turn home. The outstanding Bamford then secured the points with quarter of an hour to go when he turned his man again and finished into the bottom corner this time with his left foot.

Les James League Cup Second Round - Sponsored by Boca Teamwear

results

Broadwell Amateurs were drawn against Frampton United for this quarter-final tie. The home side ran out winners from the penalty spot after the final score had finished 1-1 in the 90 minutes. Both sides equalled each other out for a lot of this game and it took until the 35th minute before the first attempt on goal which was a great effort from Ryan Vincent that Watkins in the home goal pushed around the post. On 42 minutes Frampton’s Andy Cox carved out a space for himself to shoot on goal but Watkins was there again to push the shot wide of the goal. On 50 minutes a break down the right by the home side saw Frampton’s keeper Fraser Wilson in action to prevent a goal. Ryan Vincent then struck the crossbar on 70 minutes for the visitors but the ball went out for a goal kick. Just a couple of minutes left and Frampton took the lead when Ryan Vincent chased the ball down the right flank crossed into the box and Manolo Espada powered his header past Watkins. Frampton’s hearts sunk then right on 90 minutes from a Jamie Powell free kick Kristian Burnard rose above everyone to head the equaliser past Wilson in the Frampton goal. In the penalty shootout Broadwell’s keeper Watkins brought off two great saves to see his Club into the Semi-final.

14th January 2022 - Rockleaze Rangers in a stronger position

Simon Parkinson

ROCKLEAZE Rangers’ watchful boss Peter Bradbury is urging his players not to take their eyes off the ball now that they are in a much stronger position to kick on.

The improving Hillside Gardens outfit have responded determinedly to a truly frustrating series of results which had them staring hard at dangers lurking deep in the Marcliff Gloucestershire County League basement, before four wins from five appearances signalled a tangible upturn.

A 2-0 away defeat by an ever-competitive and high-riding Frampton United unit at the weekend provided a disappointing setback, one Bradbury is eager to hit back from straight away in the bid to keep the climb continuing.

Ninth-placed Rockleaze entertain local rivals Bromley Heath United on UWE’s Hillside 3G in Hambrook tomorrow (3pm), whilst a cautious, yet encouraged, Bradbury spelled out: “We’re a few wins away yet from being completely comfortable; but we’re in a healthier position, for sure.

“There were genuine reasons for our struggles over the early part of the season. Our performances were pretty good and competitive in the main; but we were light upfront due to injuries to recognised strikers, and people were playing out of position. That sort of cocktail means you’re not going to create and score goals as you had been.

“We’ve been getting the rub of the green a bit more of late too. It’s also been a massive bonus getting Dan Webb (striker) back to us. Although he’s not been involved in every game since his return from Cribbs, he was instrumental in our 3-2 and 5-1 wins over Hanham and English Bicknor with one and two goals in each game respectively.

“What it’s shown is we’re not overly reliant on Dan, as when he didn’t play in the Broadwell and Hardwicke games, Zayd Alli and Sam Bailey, normally an attacking central midfielder who has been playing upfront and chipping in with goals regularly, stepped up to the plate with important goals in the two victories.”

Bradbury continued: “Generally we’ve tried to be more proactive from the very start of games, to press and get on the front foot fast.

“We’ve also tightened up at the back, conceding fewer goals as a result; and getting lads like Pete Ireland and Toby Sharpe back into our midfield and defence has helped after so much chopping and changing.

“We’ve not really replaced Nick Jones since he left us for Cribbs; and while Henry Smith and Liam Henderson both did well filling the breach, it’s good to have the sort of consistency at left-back Toby provides.”

Meanwhile, Shirehampton, held 1-1 at home by Henbury in midweek, nonetheless continue with their efforts to cement pole position in the table as Ruardean Hill Rangers visit the Creek for a 3pm tussle.

Bottom sideHanham Athletic aim to make it morale-boosting back-to-back wins in the ongoing fight against relegation at home against fifth-placed Sharpness (2pm).

In-form Henbury, undefeated in their last four league and county cup appearances, are at Quedgeley Wanderers, while Little Stoke go to English Bicknor for an important bottom five bout (both 2pm starts).

8th January 2022 - Frampton United see off Rockleaze Rangers

Ron Holpin

results

Just two fixtures survived the overnight heavy rain. Frampton United’s game at The Bell Field went ahead against Rockleaze Rangers with a 2-0 victory for the home side. Fin Blythe’s 14-minute free kick was well saved by Dunning in the Rangers goal, but a mix up in the 32nd minute in the Rockleaze defence allowed Harvey Cowley the chance to steal the ball and put United ahead. United’s Matt Cook then had his shot on target in the 52nd minute deflected away for a corner. Rockleaze then had their first effort on goal in the 60th minute cleared off the line. 5 minutes later Manolo Espada squandered a great chance to score blasting the ball high over the bar after a great ball from Ryan Vincent. The home side went 2-0 up on 71 minutes when they capitalised on a mistake by Ranger’s keeper Dunning failing to hold the ball and Ryan Vincent tapped home. Rangers were unlucky in the 74th minute when following a corner Dan Webb’s header on target was cleared off the line. Webb had another great chance for Rangers on 84 minutes when he was put clear on goal but failed to beat home keeper Fraser Wilson.

Gala Wilton v Quedgeley Wanderers was the other fixture that went ahead today with Wanderers getting the ball into the Gala net after 6 minutes but it was ruled out for offside. A 12-minute 25-yard thunderbolt from Gala’s Craig Howell rattled the Quedgeley crossbar on 12 minutes. It was the visitors who took the lead on 32 minutes when they hit Gala on the counter attack, Henry Birkett sent a long ball up field and Kyle James-Bryan finished the job off. 2 minutes into the second half Craig Howell was at it again when he crashed a free kick against the Wanderers upright. Gala almost levelled the score in the 49th minute after Ryan Dobbins and Martin Smith interchanged passes with Dobbins shot only parried by the Wanderers keeper and Ben Sluman following up also saw his effort saved. Quedgeley moved into a 2-0 lead on 76 minutes again from a counter attack with Jack Hornsby getting the goal. Gala pulled one back in the 84th minute with a Ben Sluman strike and with just 3 minutes left on the clock the home side salvaged a point from the game when Martin Smith scored at the back post from a Ryan Dobbins cross.