League champions are toppled (From Stroud News and Journal)

League champions are toppled

Gloucestershire County League Hardwicke 2, Roman Glass St George 1

HARDWICKE kicked off a new County League campaign with last seasons champions Roman Glass St George the visitors and the hosts could not have wished for a better start, securing three points in a 2-1 victory.

Mitch Fussells side started the season with a win and in doing so broke the clubs start of season unwanted record.

Since being promoted in the County League Hardwicke have failed to gain a win in their first six matches of the season, but this record was broken in emphatic style by toppling Roman Glass.

Hardwicke made things difficult for themselves early on by not attacking any high balls put into their own area and twice keeper Paul Hatrick came to the rescue with a couple of smart saves.

The home side paid the price on 28 minutes when a corner kick was not challenged and Ryan Bailey scored with a free header at the far post.

Possession wise the game had been evenly contested and the hosts were rewarded for their endeavours ten minutes before half-time when this time the visitors were guilty of not defending a corner and with Pat Young putting the St George defenders under pressure, Shaun Stokes scored direct from his unswinging corner.

Hardwicke deserved their victory by having the upper hand in the second half.

The defending of Wesley Archer, Markus McKie, Martin Elton and Stokes snuffed out any threats the visitors might have had.

And with Andy Taylor and Andy Bettel winning a lot of midfield tussels, the home side enjoyed a bigger share of the game.

The all important goal came when Adam Hacket was brought down by the keeper and up stepped Stoked to smash home the resulting penalty.

Hardwicke should have put the game beyond doubt when John Leccacorvi spurned a great chance and Paul Szuluk was denied by the keeper.

At the final whistle it was a very satisfying start to the season for the home side.