Match Report

Cinderford Town FC 1 V North Leigh FC 2

By Paul Webb

Cinderford paid the penalty as missed spot kicks by Mc Cootie and Cornwall led to a disappointing home defeat by North Leigh. Cinderford started brightly with Miller narrowly missing with a clever chip then bringing a fine save from Warren. Williams squandered a great chance for the visitors before Town striker Miller was brought down in the box by Caton. Mc Cootie’s tame penalty however was easily blocked by Warren. Within two minutes North Leigh took a firm grip on the game when Williams profiting from defensive hesitation and poor marking helped himself to a brace with emphatic finishes. Mc Cootie went close to reducing the arrears before Harris produced a great save to keep out Bowle.

Half Time Cinderford Town 0 North Leigh 2

Harris did well to tip over a Williams shot then Miller a constant thorn in the side of North Leigh’s rearguard with his pace, skill and awareness was again up ended in the area but following lengthy North Leigh protests Cornwall blazed his effort over the bar. The introduction of Lewis Sommers sharpened Cinderford’s attack and his powerful header was inches wide of the goal. Miller won a third penalty stopped by a poor challenge for which Organ was booked and Sommers gave a master class in penalty taking with a rocket like low drive past Warren. A superb strike from Miller rattled the visitors crossbar as Town hunted for the equaliser, while a swift break saw Williams denied by the athletic Harris. Miller had one last chance for Town but headed wide and a night of frustration ended with the final whistle

Full Time Cinderford Town 1 North Leigh 2

Referee A Matthew
Attendance 81
MOM Kris Miller

Town Team A Harris, W Archer capt (M Whittington 78m), D Haines, D Harrison, G Lewis, J Emery (A Cornwall 46m), N Hancock 78m, A Lewis (L Sommers 62m), N Mc Cootie, K Miller, D Lee Subs not used M Smith and A Malcolm.

North Leigh Team S Warren S Hole, J Organ (J Burnell 83m), T Clarke, T Franklin, A Caton, B Rearden (K Saunders 89m) B Bowle, M Williams, E Osbourne-Rickett, M Hopkin Sub not used J Mills, D Crudup and T Merrinaau.