Cirencester Town FC
The home of football, corporate events, courses and celebrations
Cirencester Town FC
The home of football, corporate events, courses and celebrations
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The final Pre-Season Friendly match in preparation for the 2019/20 Season for Cirencester Town brought Bristol City U23’s to The Corinium Stadium. The sides have met many times over the years - either in similar matches or as opponents in the GFA Senior Challenge Cup - and they would undoubtedly provide a stiff test for the squad being assembled by Manager Charlie Griffin.
The visitors kicked off proceedings playing towards The Shed end of the ground and within the first two minutes both defences had been on the receiving end of crosses into the penalty area suggesting another fast flowing game was in prospect - Will Christopher making the first of many marauding runs down the right flank to whip in a cross that ‘keeper Lochlan Robertson caught above the head of an incoming Alan Griffin and at the other end Zac Smith had a shot from 20 yards blocked by Shayne Anson and the follow-up cross from Barney Soady was headed clear by Will Wellon.
Cirencester then pressed to win the first corner kick of the match and shortly afterwards Griffin and Josh Parsons created an opening for Jonny Dennis as he cut in from the left flank to fire a low shot towards the left post where Robertson made the necessary save.
It had been a promising start for Cirencester but the young Robins responded as Sam Pearson won a corner kick from the left that was recycled from the right resulting in a close range flick that was defended.
As Cirencester mounted another attack the ball was intercepted for Louis Britton to move it forward to Tommy Conway on the edge of the home box and he in turn slipped it into the path of Pearson to send a low shot towards the left post where ‘keeper Lewis Clayton made the save.
A minute later City opened the scoring with a well taken goal of simplicity as a pass down the right channel was collected by LOUIS BRITTON as he burst into the area to unleash a fearsome right footed shot that flew into the top right corner of the home net. 0-1.
The early goal encouraged City and they pressed down both flanks to test a home defence that stood firm and around the half hour mark Cirencester threatened themselves as a series of passes between Tommy Anderson, Mike Pook, Parsons and Jack Freeman released Dennis to the left corner where the ball was lost but they were soon back again as Pook clipped a pass to the right corner that eventually led to a corner kick from the opposite flank. Shayne Anson got his head to the corner kick and aimed it towards the top left corner of the City goal where it was partially cleared to Freeman, just outside the box, and he slipped to Griffin who tried an overhead kick from the centre front edge of the box that looped over the defenders and looked destined for the top right corner but Robertson recovered to parry and then collect.
With ten minutes of the half remaining the game was now end-to-end with Parsons dribbling the ball into the left channel of the City box producing a corner kick and Britton firing over under pressure from Anson.
In the final minutes of the half a sharp turn from Britton created room for a left footed snap shot (saved by Clayton) and a Griffin lay-off to Parsons that resulted in a firm strike that was parried by Robertson and calmly ‘chested’ back to the ‘keeper by Tom Harrison.
Half Time: 0-1
The second half continued where the first had finished with Griffin heading a corner kick over the bar and drawing a low save from Robertson within 7 minutes.
City responded to press but around the mid-point of the half a Pook free kick was headed down by Griffin and recovered to supply Parsons in a central position on the edge of the City box and he struck a fierce shot narrowly wide of the left post.
As the final 15 minutes approached Jordan Morris won the ball in his half and delivered a superb pass to Parsons as he burst down the left channel but as he cut right a covering tackle from Joe Low stopped his progress.
It was then the turn of the Robins to probe the home defence down both flanks with crisp passing and movement but the home defence kept their shape to deny them progress.
With ten scheduled minutes remaining the busy Parsons collected the ball in a central position 40 yards out and a quick, sharp turn created room for a powerful right footed shot that struck the bottom of the left post and in the follow-up action Referee James Hooper awarded a penalty kick to Cirencester. MIKE POOK stepped up to convert as he placed his kick inside the right post with Robertson diving in the opposite direction. 1-1.
With 7 minutes remaining City pressed down their right flank but the move broke down enabling Morris to charge forward on a 50 yard run to the left side edge of the City area where Low came across to deal with the danger.
As the game was drawing to a close a swift break from Sam Pearson took him to the left by-line and his low ‘pull-back’ was instantly fired inside the left post by LOUIS BRITTON as he supported near the front edge of the 6 yard box. 1-2.
Full Time: 1-2
Another tremendous game of flowing football with quick, pass and move football on display.
As City moved the ball about quickly Cirencester had to stick to the task and keep their defensive shape and Manager Charlie Griffin was pleased with their discipline and it was obviously a good work out for the home side against a young professional side as they work towards match fitness and the new season.
Attendance: ?? Referee: James Hooper
CIRENCESTER TOWN:
Lewis Clayton, Will Christopher, Ben Tunnicliff, Mike Pook, Shayne Anson, Will Wellon, Tommy Anderson (Jordan Morris 67), Jack Freeman (Levi Irving 78), Alan Griffin (Tommy Ouldridge 67), Josh Parsons, Jonny Dennis.
Unused Substitutes:- James Mortimer-Jones, Aidan Bennett.
BRISTOL CITY U23’s:
Lochlan Robertson, James Taylor, Barney Soady (Brad Webb 61), Zac Smith (Ryley Towler 61), Tom Harrison, Aiden Baldwin (C) (Joe Low 61), Sam Pearson, Marcus Day, Louis Britton, Tommy Conway, Ricardo Rees.
Unused Substitutes:- Will Buse, Freddie Hinds.