Gloucester 1-3 Potters Bar
Gloucester’s A Squad went down to Potters Bar in their Southern Counties League fixture at Longlevens, but they turned in a much-improved performance compared to their initial encounter six weeks ago.
While the visitors had the better of the opening half, the hosts maintained their shape and displayed admirable commitment to ensure Bar had to work hard to break the city team down.
Lynam and Lawson both nipped in to make timely interceptions early on, while Moroney made two fine saves to keep out first Barker and then Smith. In front of them, Liggett and Jones gave little away, while Liggett in particular worked hard to give the energetic Smith a run on goal, but the Bar centre back was in commanding form and gave little away.
A driving run by Blacker and a free kick from Liggett threatened the visitors’ goal, but it was Bar that claimed the lead, Howell cutting in from the left and finishing well just inside the far post.
Five minutes after the break the visitors doubled their lead, Gloucester the architects of their own downfall, conceding another cheap free kick that was converted by Hubert after his initial effort had been beaten out.
Soon after it was three, Hicks emphatically converting a penalty following a foul in the box, but the city side refused to lie down and Herrick did well to take Liggett’s free kick.
The otherwise impressive keeper then made his only error of the day as, under pressure from Blacker, he allowed a strongly hit back pass to evade him and the arrears were reduced.
Blacker, who was in determined mood throughout was then denied by Herrick after being played in by Lawson, though at the other end both Jones and Mclean were called upon to display their defensive prowess.
In the end it was Potters Bar that deservedly claimed the points, but Gloucester can be pleased with both their resolve and their improvement both individually and collectively.
Gloucester: Moroney; Lynam, Mclean, Lawson; Blacker, Jones, Liggett, Clifford; Smith. Subs: Chamberlain, Blackburn, Wilkes.
While the visitors had the better of the opening half, the hosts maintained their shape and displayed admirable commitment to ensure Bar had to work hard to break the city team down.
Lynam and Lawson both nipped in to make timely interceptions early on, while Moroney made two fine saves to keep out first Barker and then Smith. In front of them, Liggett and Jones gave little away, while Liggett in particular worked hard to give the energetic Smith a run on goal, but the Bar centre back was in commanding form and gave little away.
A driving run by Blacker and a free kick from Liggett threatened the visitors’ goal, but it was Bar that claimed the lead, Howell cutting in from the left and finishing well just inside the far post.
Five minutes after the break the visitors doubled their lead, Gloucester the architects of their own downfall, conceding another cheap free kick that was converted by Hubert after his initial effort had been beaten out.
Soon after it was three, Hicks emphatically converting a penalty following a foul in the box, but the city side refused to lie down and Herrick did well to take Liggett’s free kick.
The otherwise impressive keeper then made his only error of the day as, under pressure from Blacker, he allowed a strongly hit back pass to evade him and the arrears were reduced.
Blacker, who was in determined mood throughout was then denied by Herrick after being played in by Lawson, though at the other end both Jones and Mclean were called upon to display their defensive prowess.
In the end it was Potters Bar that deservedly claimed the points, but Gloucester can be pleased with both their resolve and their improvement both individually and collectively.
Gloucester: Moroney; Lynam, Mclean, Lawson; Blacker, Jones, Liggett, Clifford; Smith. Subs: Chamberlain, Blackburn, Wilkes.
