Stroud & District Division 6

Minchinhampton Reserves......................2

Brockworth Albion Reserves...................1

WITH many matches postponed due to the previous night’s deluge, Minchinhampton were indebted to the fantastic efforts of Julian Biddle who had worked tirelessly to get the pitch fit to play on.

A bright start for the home side saw Ed Gosling’s effort cleared to safety after it clipped the crossbar.

Soon after Adam Churchill couldn’t quite find his feet to apply the finishing touch his fine approach play deserved.

Looking well in control of the match but frustratingly having nothing to show for it Minchinhampton finally broke the deadlock when Ed Gosling and Phil Ellis combined to set Luke Halliday free and he crossed into the front post where Nick Matthews beat the keeper to slide the ball home from close range.

Soon after Nick Matthews looked to have doubled the lead but his effort was adjudged to have not crossed the line.

The second half again saw the home side in control with Riki Noble and Ollie Portlock dictating the play but again the half chances created were not converted.

Brockworth’s direct style and pacey front man began to cause problems and the home side were grateful to timely interventions by Dan Matthews and Ash Hands to prevent Brockworth chances on goal.

With the match ebbing away the Minchinhampton defence were caught square and looking for an offside flag which didn’t happen and ex Minchinhampton player, Dan Roberts, nipped the ball past James Green and into the net.

A nervy few minutes followed but no more damage was done and as both sides looked to settle for a point apiece a deep free kick from just inside his own half saw Ollie Portlock’s curling effort deceive the Brockworth defence and keeper to skid off the turf and fly into the roof of the net and with it claim a welcome and deserved three points.

Star men: Andy Thomas for Minchinhampton and Dan Roberts for Brockworth Albion.