Gloucester B 1-1 Orpington B by Ossie Ardiles

Both sides struggled to find second gear in the first half of this Geoff Richards Trophy league game at Longlevens. The home side had the territorial advantage early on, but the visitors were first to create a clear cut chance, but the Orpington striker’s effort skewed wide. Many of Gloucester’s moves lacked determination and petered out in the final third and rarely did they cause the assured Orpington defence any issues, while Knight and Collins made good covering clearances at the other end to ensure a goalless first period.

The second half was much brighter and both sides were more positive in their attacking forays. The homesters began to assert some authority on the game and Sutherland saw two opportunities hit the side netting before Mason capped a fine display by slotting in the opening goal following a neat move down the Gloucester left.

The tourists were spurred into action and keeper Balkwill saved well, diving to his left to turn a low drive round the post. Elliott made a number of defensive interceptions and some fine offensive runs to keep the Londoners at bay, but in the final minute, Villaret’s low drive from the edge of the area evaded all to nestle in the bottom corner to bring the sides level - the draw being a fair reflection of the proceedings and setting up the return fixture on Thursday nicely.

Gloucester: Balkwill; Knight, Pinkney, Elliott; Williams, Mason, Weatherley, Butcher, Sutherland. Sub: Collins.