Having not played for 2 weeks, a much changed Town Reserves collected a big 3 points in the local derby at home to English Bicknor on Saturday. Without the services of Arran Price, suspended, Calvin Rushton and Charlie Powell injured, they welcomed Jenks back after a spell with the first team and Ross Lindsay proved to be a major plus as usual. Ricky Elliott made a first ever start at central defender along side Ryan Chidley, with George Jelly partnering Tom Maxted up top.
The game itself was dire, not helped by a Referee who made the first half all about him.
Bicknor lumped it from back to front and we gave the ball away anytime we found ourselves in good situations.
Needless to say there was very little goalmouth action, but to be fair to the visitors they did look the more likely to score. Luckily for us a combination of some scrambling about by Ellis in goal and some abysmal finishing from Bicknor the score remained 0-0 at the break.
The second half was pretty much a replica of the first, but with a goal. Tom and George had worked hard to occupy the visitors back four and just before the hour they got their reward.
A neat interchange of passes saw Jelly take the ball into the Bicknor box. As he cut back inside a defender stuck out a leg before pulling it away. His action proved to late as Jelly left the floor with a blood curdling scream and the Referee pointed to the spot. The youngster took the kick himself, sending the keeper the wrong way.
For the remainder of the game we huffed and puffed, mainly through the lack of action in recent weeks. Bicknor threatened to level and really would have if they could find a striker.
Ricky Elliott got cramp in both legs, another first, youngster Cian Blake came on for a shattered Mikey Robbins and competed well.
Daws was blowing out of his backside for all of the second half, and most of the first if i'm honest. Rob Bendall and Luke Williams also helped us cling onto the 3 points near the end.
Jarred had one of those games only a hair dresser would have, while Tom spent most of the game having chats with the Referee.
I think Brooksy was quite pleased with the final score given the circumstances, and without a game again this week he might have time to sign a few more to help the cause.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Woolaston | 28 | 71 |
2. | Cheltenham Civil Services | 28 | 61 |
3. | Whitecroft | 28 | 54 |
4. | English Bicknor | 27 | 48 |
5. | Bredon | 27 | 44 |
6. | Lydney Town Reserves | 28 | 41 |
7. | Abbeymead Rovers | 28 | 39 |