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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Pre-Season Friendly
Match report by Dave Pyzer
The Centurions returned to Pre-Season Friendly action - following their victory in the Semi-Final of The Jim Newman Cup - with a fixture at The Talent Hire Stadium against HARTPURY UNIVERSITY - last season’s champions of the Uhlsport Hellenic League – Premier Division as they prepare for life in the Southern League – South Division.
Due to holidays a number of experienced players were unavailable so Cirencester faced the task ahead with a depleted squad - but this provided an opportunity for several U18 players to get some First Team experience which would undoubtedly be of benefit to them in the upcoming season.
The visitors kicked off playing towards The Shed end of the ground eventually leading to a shot from 18 yards that was well over the home bar.
Shortly afterwards Cirencester mounted a counter as Jayden Stratford chased a ball to the left corner to put pressure on the visitors ‘keeper and whilst he moved the ball on to a defender it resulted in a throw-in for the home side.
Unruffled ‘The Acorns’ worked the ball forward down the right flank before switching play to the left - resulting in a corner kick that was well defended.
As the visitors began another attack down their left flank Fraser Bell won the ball on half-way and immediately played it down the right channel for the willing JAYDEN STRATFORD to chase, collect and clip past the advancing ‘keeper into the open net. 1-0.
Hartpury responded positively to the setback as an attack resulted in a shot that was wide of the right post, but Cirencester were countering quickly and when a Harrison Reeves corner kick, from the right, was recycled back to him he delivered a cross to the front edge of the 6-yard box that Jonty Welch was just unable to reach.
Around the mid-point of the half a Hartpury attack down their left flank was stifled by a combination of a chasing Javan Matumba and Bell, the ball was then fed to Jack Freeman and on to Reeves who galloped to the left by-line to square the ball to the front edge of the 6-yard box where a fast-arriving JAYDEN STRATFORD provided the finish. 2-0.
The match became even more ‘end-to-end’ for the next ten minutes before a Hartpury corner kick was cleared by Freeman at the near post, and a free kick was sent through the home 6-yard box and past the left post without contact.
As the half was drawing to a close the visitors worked the ball down their left flank – repelled but recycled to the right channel front edge of the home box where a shot took a deflection that required an alert Ronnie Newbery to save low to his left.
Half Time: 2-0.
During the interval the University side made numerous changes to their side and within the first few minutes they pulled a goal back as a loose pass was collected, right of the Penalty Spot, and tucked into the bottom left corner. 2-1.
Cirencester reacted to the setback to press to the right corner a couple of times with a 60-yard cross-field pass from Jordan Morris, left back to right flank, worthy of mention.
On the hour mark Stratford had a 1v1 with the replacement Hartpury ‘keeper who managed to get his hand to the attempted lob and push it into the air enabling a covering defender to complete the required clearance.
A minute later Hartpury were awarded a free kick in the left corner that was delivered to the back post where it was headed inside the right post to level the scores. 2-2.
In reply Welch released Bonsa Teshome down the right flank but as he cut left along the front edge of the visitors box his shot was blocked.
The visitors then had a period of ‘keep-ball’ without threatening the Cirencester goal and when they did push forward the home defence was resolute.
As the game entered the final ten minutes Christian Oliver chased a ball down the centre and attempted an ambitious lob but it passed wide of the target.
Into the final five minutes and Hartpury once again produced some passing football without threat and Cirencester responded as Teshome dribbled past three opponents before being brought to ground.
Full Time: 2-2.
An entertaining game with contrasting styles on the night – the visitors possession and the home sides quick counter attacks.
CIRENCESTER TOWN
Ronnie Newbery, Fraser Bell, Jordan Morris, John Sendra, Kyle Pitts ©, Jack Horrell, Javan Matumba, Jonty Welch, Jayden Stratford, Jack Freeman, Harrison Reeves.
Subs:- Harry Titchener, Harley Arnold, Luka Kennedy, Bonsa Teshome, Christian Oliver, Josh Sawyer (GK).