Southern League – Premier Division

2015-16

Stratford Town   2 – 1   Cirencester Town   

Match Report by Terry Keogh.

CIRENCESTER TOWN arrived at Knights Lane knowing a win could possibly see them at the top of the Southern Premier League come the final whistle – but, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

After their brightest start for some time, they failed to capitalise on their possession and better quality football to trail 1-0 at the break, after uncharacteristic ‘iffy’ defending.

It was all ‘kick and rush’ for Stratford in the opening half an hour, where they often over-hit through balls which were safely gathered by Ciren ‘keeper Glyn Garner. But their ‘Jack in the pack’ was wide man and long-serving player Simeon Tulloch, who was a real handful all evening. All that was good about Stratford came from his speed and trickery.

The first real chance for the Centurions came on 10 minutes; intricate play between Brad Hooper and Charlie Griffin found Mark Pritchett surging into the box. He unleashed a powerful, if slightly deflected, shot, that was tipped over brilliantly by Stratford ‘keeper Andy Kemp.

At the other end, the diminutive Tulloch rode three tackles to send in a dangerous cross that fortunately evaded everyone, and was gathered by Garner.

The move of the half came on 27 minutes. A low drilled free kick by Hooper found Griffin just inside the penalty area, he laid it back perfectly for Ross Langworthy to fire narrowly wide.

This was followed by a stylish and telling run by Ciren wide man Zack Kotwica, he played the ball through to Griffin who forced a great save from the onrushing Kemp.

Stratford took the lead on the stroke of half time; a quick break down the left found Edwin Ahenkorah whose snap shot was parried by Garner into the path of the onrushing KIERAN WESTWOOD. In acres of space he gleefully buried his chance. 1-0.

Had the second half recommenced in the same way, Ciren, and their travelling fans, would have been optimistic about getting something from the game, but it was Stratford who started much the stronger.

They had two or three chances to increase their lead, before the ball was finally played into DIOR ANGUS, just inside the area, and he swivelled brilliantly to fire past the helpless Garner and double the lead.  2-0.

Brian Hughes increased Ciren’s fire power by replacing James Mortimer-Jones with Aidan Bennett. His first telling run found Griffin, but the Ciren front man could only shoot tamely at Kemp from 10 yards.

On 76 minutes Ciren were given a lifeline. After neat play between Kotwica, Langworthy and Hooper, the former picked out JOSH PARSONS with a telling pass. His first time half volley flew high into the net for what was undoubtedly the goal of the night.  2-1.

Ciren had chances to draw level in the closing stages, but often wanted to take too many touches. It capped a most disappointing night.

Let’s hope the Centurions can put this result behind them on Saturday when they meet Petersfield Town in the Second Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.

Attendance:     180                              

Referee:          Marvin Amphlett