Cirencester Town FC
The home of football, corporate events, courses and celebrations
Cirencester Town FC
The home of football, corporate events, courses and celebrations
55.png){kind=logo}
32.jpg)
Match Report by Andy Buchan
After the disappointing cup result against Guildford, Cirencester returned to league football hosting Winchester City at the Corinum Stadium.
Winchester have had a good start to the season, albeit early, and they occupy second place in the league with Cirencester in fourth. This was indeed a big game for both clubs.
From the kick off, Ciren showed they meant business and within two minutes had their first corner. From this Ciren showed their intent when Matt Sysum headed powerfully over the bar.
It was in the 9th minute that Ciren, after another attack, were awarded a penalty after a hand ball from a Winchester defender. Scott Griffin stepped up to the plate and converted an excellent spot kick into the corner of the net giving Rory Anderson little chance.
For the next 6 minutes Ciren continued to seek a second goal and it was in the 13th minute that a bouncing ball found Aiden Bennett 20 yards out and, on the half volley with his left foot, he fired at goal beating the diving keeper with the ball finding the top corner of the net giving Ciren a two goal lead.
In the 18th minute Winchester had their 1st opportunity when a good ball through to Andrew White was slightly miss kicked and was comfortably taken by Matt Bath. For the next 12 minutes Ciren were pilling on the pressure causing Winchester lots of problems.
However, in only their second serious attack on the Ciren goal, a cross into the Ciren goalmouth was headed by Michael Charles and found the bottom corner of the net reducing the deficit. For the remainder of the half Ciren continued to dominate the game.
Half time 2-1
From the kick off Ciren were searching for a third goal and had many chances with Jamie Reid, Sam Collier and Aiden Bennett going close. In the 66th minute Scott Griffin found himself with a great chance after a miss kick from James McGowan, but as he advanced towards goal, his powerful right foot shot cleared the Winchester bar.
A minute later after a good run from Bennett his resulting shot was cleared only as far as Joe Shepherd and with cool confidence picked his spot and slotted the ball into the far corner to increase Ciren's lead. Not only was this an excellent goal, but it gave Ciren this well deserved cushion.
In the 70th minute Ciren brought on Shaun Bumphrey for Sam Collier. Six minutes later Connor McCarthy had a snap shot which was wide of the Ciren goal. In the 80th minute Reid was brought down and Morrtimer-Jones' free kick was cleverly played to Griffin who from 8 yards blasted over the bar.
In the 84 minute Sam Packer replaced Scott Griffin.
Winchester had one more opportunity in the game in the 90th minute when the ball fell to James Taylor. However his shot was comfortably saved. For the last few minutes of the game, Ciren had more chances with Bennett and Reid going close.
In the 92nd minute Sean Bailey replaced Joe Shepherd, and the referee blew up for full time in the 95th minute.
Full Time Cirencester 3-1 Winchester.
This was a well fought top of the league clash with Ciren being well deserved winners, which now puts us into second place in the league behind Poole Town.
There was a great feeling of good will in the club house after the game which is a credit to both management and the players.
There were notable performances from Joe Shepherd and Nathan Hawkins replacing the injured Wells and Thompson.
The Four Pillars Hotel Man of the match was Aiden Bennett which turned out to be a tough decision as every Ciren player was worthy of that title.
Attendance: 79
Referee: Craig Green
Cirencester Town:
1. Matt Bath
2. Alex Allard
3. Ellis Dunton
4. Matt Sysum (C)
5. Joe Shepherd
6. Nathan Hawkins
7. Jamie Reid
8. James Mortimer-Jones
9. Sam Collier
10. Scott Griffin
11. Aiden Bennett
12. Sam Packer (on for Scott Griffin - 84 mins)
14. Sean Bailey (on for Joe Shepherd - 92 mins)
15. Shane Bumphrey (on for Sam Collier - 70 mins)
Winchester City:
1. Rory Anderson
2. James McGowan
3. Daniel Cox
4. Ryan Woodford
5. Michael Byrne
6. Connor McCarthy
7. Lewis Gundry
8. Ian Humble
9. Andrew White
10. Michael Charles
11. Adam
12. James Taylor
14. Alex Charlick
15. Toby McAuley
16. Jonathan West