Swindon P.S.F.A. vs Gloucester P.S.F.A. Berkshire League 7-1-12

Swindon began the match brightly, controlling the early part of the game. Lea forced the Gloucester custodian to make a fine save and Smerdon cleared Tyson’s follow-up off the line. Swindon’s defence remained strong with Philips, Brown, Kutassy and Cremin denying Gloucester any clear chance on goal.  Lawrence and Merchant worked hard in the centre of midfield to supply Hopper who was unlucky to see his shot blocked by Brennan before Broadbank’s foray into the box was halted by a strong tackle. Swindon continued to keep press forcing a brace of corners. The second was only cleared as far as Cremin whose effort drifted just wide. The city side almost claimed the lead from their first attempt on goal, Emmett’s effort following Townsend’s corner drifting just wide. On 21 minutes however, the city side edged ahead, George did well to get to Attwooll’s initial effort but couldn’t hold on to it and Clift was able to beat the Swindon ‘keeper to the ball to score. The homesters could have doubled their lead before the break. Attwooll played in Clift but George was quickly off his line to deny him before Townsend’s effort was safely gathered by the ‘keeper and Clift went close from Brown’s right wing cross on the stroke of half time.  A minute after the re-start Gloucester went close to scoring a second but Agg’s cross flashed across the face of the goal with no-one able to get the decisive touch. This seemed to spur Swindon into action and Leach’s tenacity in midfield helped the visitors to threaten once more. Swindon were denied a equalizer when Lawrence’s effort was cleared off the line. Less than five minutes later, Swindon gained a deserved equalizer through Broadbank who finished well from twelve yards. Swindon continued to hassle and harry Gloucester and Skinner’s pace in attack tested the Gloucester defence. Despite controlling the midfield, Swindon were unable to score. The homesters slowly began to edge back into the game and both Clift and Agg were foiled by George and Kutassy respectively. The hosts persevered though and took the lead when some poor marking enabled Agg to slip though onto Townsend’s pass to score in the bottom corner. Gloucester increased their advantage when a George’s goal-kick fell short and Clift was able to lift the ball over him into the top left corner. Gloucester began to find more space out wide as Swindon committed players forward as they tried to reduce the deficit. Clift fired over from distance before Agg’s shot was bravely blocked by George. Another strong run from Agg was halted by McGinn’s uncompromising challenge before the hosts won a corner late on. Clift was allowed to get in front of his marker to convert Townsend’s flag kick and score a fourth for the homesters. Swindon will be disappointed at conceding four goals for the second match running but this was a much improved performance than their previous outing and the defeat was far closer than the score-line suggests.