32.jpg)
Pre-Season 2018-19
Friendly
Longlevens 0 – 3 Cirencester Town
Click photo to view a slideshow of photos from the match
Courtesy of Steve Rolfe Photography
Match Report by Dave Pyzer
Cirencester made the short journey to Gloucester to play LONGLEVENS of the Hellenic Premier Division in their first Pre-Season Friendly match as preparations begin for the 2018-19 Season and came away with a 3-0 win after a competitive match played in hot conditions on a very firm surface due to the prolonged heatwave.
Both sides made a number of changes at half time to ensure everyone had some ‘game time’ but Cirencester opened with many of the players that took part in their impressive 16 game unbeaten run to end last season just outside the play-off places (on goal difference).
Louis Spalding has returned, following his successful ‘loan spell’ from Swindon Town, and he was joined in the starting line-up by Jack Freeman and Jordan Morris.
Longlevens kicked-off proceedings and despite the extreme heat the game started at a fast pace with most of the action in midfield.
Alan Griffin had the first shot on target after 9 minutes, following good approach work from Tommy Anderson, but home keeper, Ash Wintle, saved comfortably.
The home side replied as Myron Turner and Rhys Lewis combined for the latter to fire wide of the left post.
As the first ‘drinks break’ approached Isaac Johns harried the Cirencester defence to win a corner kick. Under pressure Craig Martin headed wide of the left post.
During the first quarter Jack Freeman was prominent as he supported play down both flanks.
After the short interval it was Jordan Morris who took centre stage as he began to receive more of the ball and on the half hour mark he was blocked as he turned to collect a pass just inside the area leading to a penalty kick. Normal service was resumed as the prolific BEN WHITEHEAD stepped up to drive the ball inside the right post. 0-1.
Longlevens reacted positively to the set-back as Logan Roach sent a pass down the left flank for Lewis to collect and carry to the by-line before crossing. Adam Connolly managed to head clear as Martin closed.
Five minutes after opening their account Anderson released Morris on the left flank and he slipped the ball to BEN WHITEHEAD, just inside the area, who instinctively turned and shot in one motion to send his effort inside the far right post. 0-2.
Shortly afterwards Whitehead turned provider as he released Morris for a run that took him to the left by-line where his shot clipped the near post and rebounded to ALAN GRIFFIN in the centre of the goal and he completed the task to score inside the right post from a couple of yards. 0-3.
Despite being three goals down in the space of 7 minutes Longlevens finished the half strongly with Turner, Dave Rich and Tom Powell-Davies prominent.
Half Time: 0-3
During the interval Cirencester made 8 changes – including the return of Jack Horrell and several trialists and a couple of familiar faces (Aidan Bennett and Henry Spalding).
Longlevens made 6 changes to their starting eleven and several substitutions during the half.
During the third quarter Henry Spalding saw plenty of the ball on the right flank and fired a couple of fierce shots at the target. On the other flank Dan Wheeler was lively - making several driving runs into the home box.
On the hour mark Harry Emmett intercepted a pass to make a strong run towards the Cirencester penalty area but was stopped in his tracks by a well timed Ellis Dunton tackle who then released Jack Horrell for a counter attack.
Jordan Morris had moved to left back for the second half and in this position he took the ball off Turner’s toe as he shaped to shoot and displayed some clever footwork to get out of a tight situation near his corner flag.
Josh Beadle was very busy during the final quarter alongside Jack Horrell who was distributing the ball around the pitch with one 50 yard pass from left to right in particular catching the eye.
As the game was drawing to a close Kieren Squires made a strong run towards the Cirencester goal, some 30 yards, before releasing the ball to Isaac Johns who was quickly closed down.
Full Time: 0-3
This was a well contested, entertaining match with both teams having their moments in difficult playing conditions due to the temperature and the high bounce of the ball on a very firm pitch.
Another chance for the players to improve their fitness in a competitive situation and for the new players to show what they offer to the Management Team.
LONGLEVENS:
First Half:-
Ash Wintle, James Barnett, Sausman, Luke Kavanagh, Logan Roache, Dave Rich, Myron Turner, Tom Powell-Davies, Isaac Johns, Craig Martin, Rhys Lewis.
Second Half:-
Ash Wintle, Dan Parry, James Barnett, Kieren Squires, Toby Shelton, Logan Roach, Harry Emmett, Tom Callinan, Fin Brown, Myron Turner, Isaac Johns.
CIRENCESTER TOWN:
First Half:-
Matt Wieczorek, Will Christopher, Ellis Dunton, Adam Connolly, Louis Spalding, Mike Pook, Tommy Anderson, Jack Freeman, Jordan Morris, Ben Whitehead, Alan Griffin.
Second Half:-
Luke Merchant, Will Christopher, Ellis Dunton, Mason Hathaway, Jordan Morris, Henry Spalding, Josh Beadle, Jack Horrell, Dan Wheeler, Mike Ford, Aidan Bennett,
