Gerrard League Stroud Men's 1st XI 5 Swindon A 2

ANDY GEALER'S hat-trick helped Stroud to a comfortable victory.

Gealer became the third Stroud player to grab a hat trick in just five matches for Stroud. A bright start saw Stroud on the offensive and they came close on several occasions before Gealer struck for the first time.

It should have meant open floodgates but Swindon somehow managed to breach Stroud's impregnable defence.

Minutes later, however, a fine move saw Paul Norris receive the ball in the D. His shot was kicked into his body by the keeper before Norris nudged the ball home.

Nonetheless, Swindon bounced back immediately with a penalty flick, leaving Stroud slightly subdued at half time.

Stroud's defence was called into action after the break, but Rob Fynn, Rich McColl and Rob Sharman worked together to snuff out any Swindon forays.

Stroud needed to get ahead again, so up stepped Gealer to slot home another short corner, then added a third with a finely executed flick, again from a short corner.

Swindon were beaten and as the game drew to a close it was fitting that man-of-the-match Joe Skinner got on the score sheet after a fine run.

Stroud Men's 2nd XI had a 6-1 win but Stroud Ladies' 1st XI suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Yate 2nd XI with the Ladies' 2nd XI also lost.