Saturday 17th October v Swindon & Wolverhampton
by Maurice Chalk

Gloucester's A Squad travelled to Ballard's Ash for their second Berkshire League encounter of the season, returning with a hard-won point from an evenly matched game. The visitors were the more dominant side early on, despite playing up the slight slope in the first period. Assheton's well-weighted pass gave Bird the first opportunity of the match, but Thompson in the home goal saved well. Four minutes later a through ball from Jones saw Bird break once more, but Thompson was again equal to the striker's effort. Swindon threatened briefly, Simpson going close, but Goode headed clear from inside the six-yard box, while two long range efforts were gathered by Welsh in the visitors' goal. Ashman, Wilkinson and Walker each worked hard in a city midfield missing injured skipper Nutting and both Bird and Assheton were provided with opportunities, each of which was fielded by the home custodian as the first half ended goaless. Early in the second period Sutherland teed up Walker whose effort was held by Thompson, before Lovitt drove just wide at the other end. Midway through the second half Gloucester claimed the lead, Walker's cross evading everyone except Assheton, who netted at the far post. Swindon responded in positive fashion and Gloucester, with the large pitch taking its toll, were forced back as the hosts sought an equaliser. Goode, Vallender and Hawkins at the centre of the city defence were in great form throughout, though the trio really came to the fore in this latter period of the game. Even their fine displays however could not prevent Swindon equalising with eight minutes remaining, Jack Beale's left wing cross being fired home by substitute Akelo at the far post. Sensing a possible winner, the Wiltshire side continued to press, but the Gloucester backline in which Stock, in addition to the central defenders played a key role, stood firm to earn a draw which, on the overall balance of play, seemed a fair result. Gloucester A: Welsh; C.Stock, Vallender, Hawkins, Goode, Jones; Walker, Ashman, Wilkinson; Assheton, Bird. Sub: Sutherland. Gloucester's B Squad gave another determined display before eventually succumbing to a Wolverhampton side who are still unbeaten this season. Wolves started the stronger but Sargent in the city goal proved equal to whatever the hosts could muster before Gloucester broke to take the lead, Dada-Grieve, Thompson and Matt Hayes were all involved in a move that led to skipper Deegan Hayes cutting inside to fire home the opener. Robbie and Hayes in the Gloucester midfield were at the hub of many of their side's better moves, while Wood in the centre of the city defence gave another resolute display. The hosts however equalised on 20 minutes, Murray powering home a corner from Yates and four minutes after the break Wolves claimed the lead, Green breaking quickly to score a fine solo goal. Undaunted, back came Gloucester and after good work from Dada-Grieve, Thompson slipped past his marker to net the leveller. With ten minutes remaining the homesters forged ahead once more with another fine strike from Green and when Duckham's cross-cum-shot drifted into the top corner, Gloucester's chance of salvaging a draw were finally ended. Another dogged performance however from a city team who have competed extremely well in their last two games against strong A Team opposition. Gloucester B: Sargent; Carr, Wood, Webb; Staddon, D.Hayes, M.Hayes, Robbie, Thompson; Dada-Grieve, Dodd. Subs: Simmonds, E.Stock