Sharpness Start with a Win

Sharpness started this encounter slowly and could have been behind within 5 mins was it not for a very good save from Ashley Collard. He had to react quickly when skipper Gibbs made an out of character mistake letting a through ball go under his foot. The Winchcombe striker raced onto the ball but he could not get past Collard as he reacted quickly to close the forward down and block his effort. The home side took advantage of the visitors missed opportunity when Tom Frankham opened his account for the season.
After stealing the ball in the middle of the pitch Frankham went on a great run evading two opposition players before playing a one-two with Ian Watkins and finishing smartly in the bottom corner. Sharpness continued to press and doubled there advantage midway through the half. A superbly delivered cross from Brad Hewer on the right was met with a thumping header from Ben John which left the Winchcombe goalkeeper no chance. This breathed confidence into the home side and it wasn't long before they increased their lead further. This time the move came down the left with Watkins delivering a good ball into the box towards young 16 year old debutant Harry Aldridge. He showed good vision to lay the ball off for John who's initial shot & rebound were blocked before Aldridge rammed the ball home. Winchcombe came back into the game as the half came to a close but could not convert a guilt edge chance when a player had a free header from 8 yards out but put it wide.
The 2nd half was a much more even contest with the visitors having plenty of possession without really creating any goal scoring opportunities. This was due to the dogged play of Frankham & Tim Thomas in midfield & determined defending of the back four Stutter, Freeman, Gibbs & Diurno.. Sharpness however did still create with both Watkins & Bennett having good chances to score but were unable to convert.
Player-manager Paterson was happy with the result after being knocked out in the 1st round last year. "We started slowly but rallied well to score three quick quality goals. I always felt we were in control of the game but were probably guilty of taking our foot of the pedal in the second half. It was good to continue are preseason form and it bodes well for the season ahead."
Sharpness will now play Ramblers in the 2nd Round on Wednesday before travelling to newly promoted Newent on Saturday for their 1st league game of the season.

Team: - A Collard, Stutter, Freeman, Gibbs, Diurno, T Thomas, M Frankham, Hewer (King 75), Aldridge (Bennett 63), Watkins, John.
Unused Sub: - R Collard
Goalscorers:- T Frankham, John, Aldridge
Man of the Match:- T Frankham