City extended their unbeaten league run to seven games and moved about hosts Merthyr Tydfil with an emphatic 3-1 win at Penydarren Park thanks to an awesome first half display.
Jack Pitcher missed two gilt edged chances, a free header from six yards and a shot from an angled run that was charged down by Ashley Morris before he made it third time lucky when he beat the Martyrs Welsh Non-League International keeper from close range after he could only parry an Alex Sykes drive. After the home team came close with a header against the bar and down onto the goalline at a corner Darius Morgan showed great awareness to latch onto a block from fellow work experience player Matt Walsh and beat Morris from twelve yards. Five minutes before the break it was three when Tom Webb bagged his second goal of the season after Pitcher had outpaced his mark down the left wing and centred for Webb in a similar style to the way he'd set Lee Smith up against Corby.
Merthyr boss Garry Shepherd made a trio of changes during the interval and his team started in the same vein that saw them wipe out a three goal defecit in the corresponding fixture at Meadow Park a year ago to the day. Lanky striker Mike Jones came with a shot that arrowed just wide of the upright but City held firm and gave Kev Sawyer plenty of protection. Pitcher was again denied by Morris after he'd gotten goal side of his marker but the keeper was in the kind of form that his other teammates could only dream about. The home side did get a goal, although with just five minutes left for play was too late to mount any kind of fightback.
Darius Morgan gets ahead of Merthyr's Gareth Wharton to score City's second
Saturday 22nd December 2007
Lee Smith Winning Goal
The Tigers sealed a tense and important victory against Corby Town at the New Lawn this afternoon coming back from a Liam Nicell strike against the run of play to secure three valuable and much needed points.
Jack Pitcher equalised for City ten minutes before the break when he latched onto a clever cut back from strike partner Will Morford and despite Corby keeper Daniel Crane blocking his original shot he was quickest to react and slot home the rebound for his tenth goal of the season. Lee Smith got the winner at the start of the second half when Pitcher turned provider for Smudger to score his first goal for the club since April 2005. The relief was there to see as everyone and his dog jumped on Lee in the name of "celebration"!
It wasn't all plain sailing though as the Steelmen looked as though they had enough in their locker to force at least a draw and were guilty of a woeful miss with a far post free header and can also count themselves unlucky as they were harshly penalised when one of their strikers got between Neil Mustoe and Kev Sawyer but was halted by the referees whistle before he could score.
City are next in action on Boxing Day at Merthyr Tydfil. Be there or be too stuffed full of turkey to move, on which note Tiger Roar would like to wish all of it's readers and contributors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Jack Pitcher celebrates with Jamie Reid and Ashley Thomas after scoring against Corby
Thursday 20th December 2007
Michael Whittington Joins Weston SM
Striker Michael Whittington has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent and will sign for Conference South side Weston Super Mare in time for this weekends fixtures. The Bristol based forward had enjoyed three loan spells with the club, first in February 2006 and then twice in the autumn of the following season and was a crowd favourite at Meadow Park as his goal poachers instinct saw him find the net 15 times in just 30 starts. The press release reads...
Gloucester City Football Club and Michael Whittington have terminated the players contract by mutual consent. Michael is expected to sign for a Conference South club today. Manager Tim Harris says: "I sincerely wish him well and hopefully this fresh challenge will see him capture his desire and form. Michael has struggled this season, he really needs to get to grips with part-time football and his day job, this is one area he has not adjusted to and we needed to go our separate ways. I am currently talking to several highly regarded players and am hopeful of some new faces in the squad for the festive games".
Saturday 15th December 2007
Michael Noakes Surprise appearance
The Tigers made their second cup exit of the week today as they were comfortably beaten by Conference South side Braintree Town at the New Lawn.
The visitors dictated the pace of the game from the outset and despite making few chances in open play they were particularly ruthless at set pieces. Minutes before the break a long throw from Billy Burgess was flicked on to Bradley Quinton who found space in the penalty area to cooly sidefoot past Kev Sawyer. The Essex team killed the game midway through the second half when Burgess lost his marker at a free kick and ghosted into the box unattended and fired past Sawyer.
In a game where neither City striker shone the Tigers failed to muster a shot on target throughout the game. One good sign was the inclusion of wantaway defender Michael Noakes who answered an S.O.S. from Tim Harris to bolster his injury and suspension hit squad.
Although the best part of the afternoon was the atmosphere generated by the T-End, especially Dreadless T-Ender who spent the second half playing his didgeridoo!
A Didgeridoo on the T-End and acrobatics from a Braintree player
Wednesday 12th December 2007
Lyndon Tompkins Jinxed
The Tigers bowed out of this seasons Gloucestershire Senior Cup at Bishops Cleeve tonight after a 2-2 draw which led to a marathon penalty shootout, eventually won 8-7 by the hosts.
Jody Bevan gave City an early lead when he controlled a Lee Smith cross with his chest before firing in a half volley but two goals from the home side gave Cleeve a half time lead. Injury dwarfed defender Lyndon Tompkins, on his return from another long lay off was accidentally hurt in a collision with City keeper Elliott Seddon, but his replacement Jack Pitcher rescued the tie when he headed home Adie Harris's cross on the hour.
With the evening getting colder and colder inevitably the game went through the extra thirty minutes and into penalties, then into sudden death when keeper Seddon who'd already saved two spot kicks turned from hero to villian when he smashed his effort over the crossbar.
City : Elliott Seddon, Jamie Reid, Shaun Bailey (Alex Sykes), Neil Mustoe (Adie Harris), Lyndon Tompkins (Jack Pitcher), Karl Palmer, Matt Rose, Tom Webb, Jody Bevan, Michael Whittington, Lee Smith. Subs not used : David Mehew, Ashley Thomas.
Sunday 9th December 2007
Santa Fun Run Enjoyed by all
Today saw over a hundred runners dressed as Santa Claus, one attired as Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and two huskies making their way through the streets of Gloucester in aid of the Severn Sound Money Mountain and Leukaemia Care UK. Although the numbers were slightly down on last year it was still a fun event and unsurprisingly was won by a footballer, namely City's lightening quick striker Jack Pitcher!
The first batch of photos from the event can be seen here. If you wish to purchase an 8" x 6" print of any of the photos they are available at £5 for the first photo and £3 for each print thereafter, including p&p with all proceeds going to the Supporters Trust. For further details email me.
Jamie Reid runs along Berkeley Street and Sandra Chase seems pleased to have finished!
Tuesday 4th December 2007
Jamie Reid Outstanding
It was a five star show from the Tigers tonight as they won at the New Lawn in the BGB Premier League for the first time this season.
Former Halesowen defender Gary Knight thought Christmas had come three weeks early as he gifted City the lead when he headed Lee Smith's right wing cross beyond keeper Karl Lewis and into his own net. Within minutes it was two with the source again Smith on the right, this time though his cross smacked against the upright and fell nicely for Jamie Reid to score his first league goal of the season. Kev Sawyer was performing heroics in the City goal as he kept the Bromsgrove threat at bay whilst at the other end Will Morford added to his growing reputation with a superb tackle and shot from twenty yards which Lewis could only fumble into the top corner.
Bromsgrove heads dropped but City still couldn't force a fourth and had to wait until five minutes from time when Smith was bundled to the ground by a lazy challenge by Kevin Banner. Substitute Jody Bevan grabbed the ball and slotted home from the spot, his second goal of the season. But it was Reid, who had an outstanding game in the centre of the park on his 100th appearance who finished the scoring with a superb left footed shot into the far corner.
Tim Harris signed two players as cover before the game and both were forced into action. Highly rated young striker Darius Morgan joined the club on work experience terms whilst former youth team defender Ben Ashford played the whole game at centre back after signing from landlords Forest Green.
Jamie Reid scores his second of the night against Bromsgrove
First & Second Half highlights of the superb 5-0 drubbing of Bromsgrove
Thursday 29th November 2007
Matt Rose Sent Off
That elusive first home win at the New Lawn continues to evade the Tigers as they were held to a goalless draw by Cirencester Town tonight in what is best described as a forgettable, dire affair.
With striker Will Morford held up by his graduation ceremony Tim Harris only named him on the bench and surprisingly decided to run with what looked like a 3-5-1-1 formation and Alex Sykes in the hole behind the lone Jack Pitcher making his first start after injury. Pitcher should've scored in the opening throes but his scuffed effort was symbolic of City's quality in front of goal and it was matched in the second half when Morford hit the post following a spilled shot from Sykes. The best chance of the game fell to Ciren's ex-City player Matt Shaxton who brought the best of out ex-Ciren keeper Kev Sawyer but the main talking point was a straight red card for Matt Rose following a high and late foul on Andrew Chapman.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Neil Mustoe!
The highlights of the Cirencester game
Monday 26th November 2007
Marc Richards Consolation goal
City bowed out of this seasons Errea SL Cup with a 1-3 defeat at Coles Lane against Midland Division side Sutton Coldfield Town.
After dominating the first half against a weakened City side the hosts took the lead just before the break when Leon Douughty fired through crowded penalty area. They made it two just after the interval when Jimmy Quiggan seized on a mistake from rookie goalkeeper Elliott Seddon whilst Marc Richards headed City back into the game from an Alex Sykes corner with twenty minutes to go. However, after being denied a penalty when Lee Smith was fouled the home team made the result certain when Justin Rowe got Sutton's third to send his side into the fourth round.
City : Elliott Seddon, Alex Allard, Dan Hilder (Matt Rose 55), Neil Mustoe, Lyndon Tompkins, Alex Sykes (Lee Smith 75), Matt Sysum, Marc Richards, Jody Bevan (Ashley Thomas 63), Karl Palmer, Tom Webb. Subs Not Used : Adie Harris, Jamie Reid
Following Saturdays last gasp victory over Uxbridge the Tigers have been handed a home draw against Conference South side Braintree Town in the First Round Proper. The Essex team are currently ninth in their league and have a minimal goal difference suggesting that the tie won't feature loads of goals. The game will be played at the New Lawn on Saturday December 15th (k/o 3pm)
Saturday 24th November 2007
Alex Allard 90th minute hero!
Alex Allard was the hero for the Tigers as he arrived unmarked at the far post to stab home Lee Smith's low cross and send the club into the 1st round proper of this seasons FA Trophy.
It was a game that City had pretty much dominated without being able to turn their possession into goals against the stubborn Londoners of the BGB S&W division. Matt Rose should've been awarded a penalty after he was brought down in the first half, a fact that the referee admitted to Tim Harris after the final whistle but failed to acknowledge at the time. Throughout the game former Northwood keeper Rob Bullivant had to be at his best yet the best save came from Kev Sawyer at the start of the second half when he dived low to keep out Lee Tunnell's near post header.
The First Round draw is on Monday when City will be looking for a money spinning tie at the New Lawn against the likes of Oxford or Torquay, although I'm sure we'll settle for another easy tie like FGR ;)
It's a busy week ahead for the club with two midweek games. Expect a weakened team to travel to Sutton Coldfield Town on Monday evening in the Errea Cup and a much stronger one to put Cirencester Town to the sword on Thursday as City look to continue their rich vein of form and claim their first home league victory at the New Lawn. The Sutton game kicks off at 7.30pm and Ciren at home is 7.45pm.
The City players pose for a celebratory photograph after Alex Allard's late winner beat Uxbridge
First & Second Half highlights of the FA Trophy win against Uxbridge at the New Lawn
Tuesday 20th November 2007
Alex Allard 1st goal for City
The Tigers set up an Errea Cup third round trip to Sutton Coldfield Town with a 4-2 win at Worcester City's St Georges Lane ground against tenants Evesham United tonight. In a game that really didn't capture the publics imagination, just 78 people turned up to witness a City victory thanks to goals from Alex Allard, Matt Rose, Jamie Reid and Ashley Thomas. If the Uxbridge FA Trophy match isn't drawn then the next round will be on Monday November 26th.
City : Elliot Seddon, Jamie Reid (Marc Richards), Michael Noakes, Neil Mustoe, Ashley Thomas, Alex Sykes (Adie Harris), Matt Rose, Matt Sysum, Jody Bevan, Karl Palmer (Michael Whittington), Alex Allard. Subs Not Used : Kev Sawyer, Lee Smith
City fan Tim Clark has produced a booklet to help celebrate the clubs 125th anniversary. It is available on December 4th and as well as being available on match days, it can also be purchased for £6.49 including P&P from TigerTimbo Publications, 2 Rosemary Close, Abbeydale, Gloucester GL4 5TL. Cheques payable to TRD CLARK. All profits wil go to the Supporters Trust.
On Sunday the Ladies team were presented with their new kits by sponsor CM Downton of Moreton Valance.
Gloucester City LFC show off their new kit sponsored by CM Downtons
Saturday 17th November 2007
Will Morford 2nd goal for City
At last! City have won in the league for the first time since the 4-1 victory at Bromsgrove on September 4th, ten weeks ago.
Hitchin Town, who are also struggling for points at the wrong end of the table made the Tigers fight all the way though and could've been in front in the first minute had it not been for the agility of Kev Sawyer. But two goals in a minute, a looping header from Will Morford and a diving one by Michael Whittington ultimately sealed the much needed three points.
The home team fought back in the second half, after little more than twenty seconds and before a white shirt had touched it Moses Olaleye had the ball in the back of Sawyers net, the big man was so annoyed that he kicked the ball away and got booked for the sixth time this season. Syko came close with a fizzing drive from twenty-five yards but despite trying to con a penalty Hitchin's Ricky Miller couldn't fool the referee and was booked, only to be sent off for foul and abusive language (after calling Muzzie a "fat ginger c**t") before the game had restarted.
A great win which will lead City into hopefully a run of six games at the New Lawn on the run up to Christmas. Fifteen points and an FA Trophy victory over Uxbridge please Santa!
The match report is here, photos are here and Tim's interview is here.
The Tigers are in Errea Cup action at Worcester City's ground where they take on Evesham United on Tuesday evening, kick off 7.45pm.
Michael Whittington dives in to score City's second goal at Hitchin
First & Second Half highlights of the BGBL Premier Division match at Hitchin
Friday 16th November 2007
Sam Ellis Broken leg & ankle
The Tigers suffered a double salvo of bad news this week when they first heard that the members of Quedgeley Wanderers FC had voted against the proposed move to Waterwells Park at an EGM held on Sunday and on Wednesday young midfielder Sam Ellis needed an emergency operation after breaking both his leg and his ankle whilst playing rugby for his school in Newent. Sam will miss the rest of the season. Keep your chin up Sam, we look forward to seeing your back in a City shirt again next year!
As far as the ground move goes it has now been suggested that the club will be looking at developing something at either the City Council owned Winget site in Tuffley Avenue or the County Council owned Blackbridge playing fields adjacent to the Crypt School, although not the current athletics track as previously thought. Whatever happens, the Waterwells rejection means that it's back to square one for the club and the added delay in returning to Gloucester will hurt more and more.
Tim Harris takes his bruised and battered team to Hitchin tomorrow (k/o 3pm) where anything less than a win coupled with a victory for Cheshunt at home to Mangotsfield will see the Tigers bottom of the league.
Saturday 10th November 2007
Michael Noakes Injured Again
Ashley Thomas Netted Equaliser
If Tim Harris is writing out a christmas list this year then I suspect that he'll be asking Santa for a little bit of luck considering how things have been going in recent weeks.
This 1-1 draw at the Hand Stadium wasn't without incident for either side, although it was injury for the Tigers and insult for the Seasiders. Having been forced to field an inexperienced team due to suspension, rookie goalkeeper Elliott Seddon was joined by fellow debutant and Hartpury College student Russell Courtney in front of him in defence.
The big talking point came for City after just ten minutes when three players jumped for a high ball and two of them, City's Tom Webb and Michael Noakes came down in a bloody mess. Webb later needed eighteen stitches to close up a massive cut around his eye socket whilse Noakes, who was spending his second Saturday evening in hospital had a bad head wound glued.
A double substitution was needed and it created enough confusion for Clevedon to make use of as Mike Green was left unmarked to score from the edge of the penalty area. Whilst the home team might've capitalised on City's luck they did themselves no favours when Geraint Bater, son of Clevedon manager Phil got himself sent off with a rash challenge on Will Morford to earn a second yellow card. I'll bet he was sent to bed with no supper!
Although City didn't seem to take too much advantage of the extra man they did enjoy more possession and looked more likely to score and got a deserved equaliser when Ashley Thomas was in the right place to sweep home a clever header from Lee Smith at Alex Allard's corner. In the dying minutes Morford had a good chance to win the game but Thomas's flick on landed just the wrong side of the young forward and the ball was cleared to safety.
Photos from the Hand Stadium are here and the match report is here.
Listen to the TR interview with City manager Tim Harris here.
The Tigers are next in action on Saturday at Hitchin. Hopefully the blank week will give Harris's men chance to recover from their bumps, bruises, pains and strains!
A badly injured Tom Webb is carried off by Ade Tandy & co at Clevedon
The food at Clevedon comes highly recommended by these City fans!
Tuesday 6th November 2007
Jack Pitcher Match Winner
The Tigers are through to the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy after a hard working performance saw them overcome Hillingdon Borough thanks to a late goal from substitute Jack Pitcher at the Middlesex Stadium. The replay, played in front of an all time low crowd of just 96 paying spectators was largely dominated by City as the home side failed to really test Kev Sawyer and for an extra bit of quality in their opponents penalty area Tim Harris' men would've won comfortably.
The winning goal came four minutes from time when an Alex Sykes free kick was headed against the bar and following a desperate scramble Jamie Reid appeared at the far post to head the ball back across the face of goal where Pitcher beat two defenders to nod it home from close range.
City's Errea Cup second round tie against Evesham Utd (to be played at Worcester City FC) has been re-arranged for Tuesday November 20th. The winners of the game have been drawn away to Sutton Coldfield Town in a game to be played six days later on Monday November 26th.
Saturday 3rd November 2007
Michael Noakes Sickening Injury
Jody Bevan Late Equaliser
Gloucester City are still in this seasons FA Trophy. Just!
In an exciting game for the neutrals (if there were any in the sparse crowd of 246) six goals were shared between the Tigers and their guests from London.
Despite being from a league below, Hillingdon started well but were hit by a sucker punch when Will Morford drilled home from close range at a free kick. However within minutes the Cockney's were back on track when Leon Nelson finished off a counter attack from a City corner with a powerful finish into the far corner. But during the build up to the goal left back Michael Noakes was badly hurt when he slammed his head into the ground after falling awkwardly and was taken to hosptial after collapsing on the pitch.
Before long Borough were in front when Lyndon Tompkins inexplicably shoved his opponent in the back and for once Kev Sawyer was unable to stop the spot kick as Gavin Brown sent him the wrong way to score. It could've been worse as Lyndon mishit a backpass only for Nelson to blaze high and wide with just the City keeper to beat.
After a half time team talk on the pitch because Noaxy was being treated by paramedics in the changing room City started the second half like different team and drew level when Ashley Thomas met Alex Sykes' free kick with a powerful header to beat Matt Davis in the Boro goal. Michael Whittington then had an effort chalked off for offside despite several fans claiming he was on but Hillingdon delvered a real sucker punch when, against the run of play they scored when Sawyer turned a left wing cross from Sam Byfield into his own net.
And just when it looked that City would be making another early exit from a cup competition up popped super sub Jody Bevan to nod home after Morford's header had cannoned off the crossbar. Well done to Jody for finally scoring in front of the T-End, his celebration was well worth the booking!
The replay is at the Middlesex Stadium on Tuesday (k/o 7.45pm).
The Hillingdon Gallery is here and Tim thoughts can be heard here.
More movement in the playing squad in the week saw left back Jamie Price released from his contract to join up with managerless Worcester City in the Conference North. Good luck to Jamie.
Red sky at night? Lee Smith's on fire!
Saturday 26th October 2007
Matt Rose Between the sticks!
Who said that goalless draws are boring?
Todays game at home to Banbury United certainly wasn't as the Tigers looked to build on their unbeaten run at the New Lawn but failed to score against a Puritans side that looked a pale shadow of the team that had wiped the floor with us last season.
Ashley Thomas made his debut at the back whilst Michael Noakes made a welcome return to the first team following his injury and it was the left back who had the best chance of the first half as he drove wide from just outside the box. The game however was marred by a terrible decision to book City keeper Kev Sawyer when after realising his momentum was taking him out of the area did everything to *not* handle the ball but was booked anyhow. Another booking in the second half for a similar offence saw him red carded and replaced by Matt Rose, who incredibly wasn't tested once by the powderpuff Banbury attack.
Photos from the game are here and Tim Harris's interview is here.
Tuesday's scheduled Errea Cup match away at Worcester City against Evesham United has been postponed due to the Robins' FA Cup draw against Halifax Town. Don't be surprised to see it re-arranged to co-incide with Kev's ban ;)
The agony of Jack Pitcher as the City striker is injured once again
Wednesday 24th October 2007
Jason Welsh Guest appearance
Michael Whittington First of the Season
The Tigers are through to the second qualifying round of this seasons FA Trophy after a workmanlike 2-0 victory against Stourbridge at the New Lawn.
Buoyed by the temporary return of fans favourite Jason Welsh, playing as a favour despite being released at the start of the month City sometimes rode their luck against a spirited team from the Black Country. Kevin Sawyer played out of his skin as he denied the Glassboys time and again before Jack Pitcher beat Michael Whittington to finish after Welsh's header had struck the crossbar. Whitts then got on the scoresheet without doubt when he beat the offside trap to fire past Lewis Solly despite delaying his shot after rounding the keeper.
There were no more goals in the second half however Sawyer was harshly penalised for a foul on Mark Bellingham but made amends by saving the spot kick and keeping his 100% record. There were chances too, most notably for Lee Smith who somehow managed to miss an open goal from the edge of the six yard box but the major talking point was the sending off of Jamie Reid for two bookable offences with five minutes to go. The first card was for dissent and the second for an ill timed tackle on an opponent, however he was joined by Stourbridge's Lee Dimmock who kicked out at the City man in a melee that involved most of the players.
City's reward is a home game against Hillingdon Borough on Saturday November 3rd at the New Lawn.
For photos from the game click here and hear Tim's thoughts here.
Following the release of Chris Thompson moves have been made to plug the gap in defence with the signing of burly centre half Ashley Thomas from Shortwood United. Cinderford Town player Tim Haddock will also be approached by Tim Harris when seven days notice have elapsed.
Seeing Red : Jamie Reid is sent off at home to Stourbridge in the FA Trophy
First & Second Half highlights of the Stourbridge FA Trophy replay
Saturday 20th October 2007
Alex Sykes Late equaliser
City have finally ended their goal drought, but it took an 85th minute penalty from surplus to requirements winger Alex Sykes to hit the back of the net.
It was a much needed goal and certainly well received by the T-Enders at Amblecote (including Tubes from Soccer AM) as it salvaged the FA Trophy tie in which the Tigers bossed Stourbridge but were again unable to score. Although they needed to after Mark Bellingham had given the Glassboys the lead midway through the second half but defender Ross Collins handled a Marc Richards shot and was on his way to the changing room as Sykes buried the equaliser.
The replay is at the New Lawn on Wednesday (k/o 7.45pm)
Photos from Stourbridge are here and a match report is here.
Listen to Tim here while Chairman Chris Hill comments on Quedgeley here.
Long serving midfielder / defender Chris Thompson has been released by the club because of the lack of income due to the FA Cup debacle and the falling gates at the New Lawn. Alex Sykes was also told he could leave although he opted to stay for an as yet undetermined period. TR would like to thank Chris for the hard work and service he's shown since his debut in 2002.
Michael Whittington heads for goal but it goes the wrong side of the post
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Waterwells Park City's new home?
News has finally broken about the preferred site that Gloucester City Council have highlighted in the Tigers' search for a new ground. Waterwells Park, where City won 9-0 in a pre-season friendly against current tenants Quedgeley Wanderers of the Stroud League has been suggested and the decision has been warmly greeted by City fans, although reaction of the present occupiers won't be known until they've learned more details of the proposals.
The site, is located in between Naas Lane and Waterwells Drive in the south of the City and is bordered on two sides by Quedgeley and the new Kingsway estate whilst in the future may be joined by another massive new development at Hunts Grove. This will give the club access to potentially thousands of fans.
It is hoped that the football club will be given a quarter of the current site to develope a modest stadium in the short term with hopes of expanding the facility once the club is back in the City. It's also hoped that the deal won't inconvenience Quedgeley Wanderers too much and will indeed benefit them as they themselves grow.
Waterwells Park (shaded in red) - Could this be the Tigers new home?
Saturday 13th October 2007
Will Morford City debut
City's woeful run of poor form and downright bad luck continued at Bedford Town with a 0-2 defeat to hand three undeserved points to a lacklustre home team.
With an early kick off to avoid a clash with the England game manager Tim Harris kept faith with the same team that held Hemel Hempstead last week but gave new signing Will Morford a place on the bench and an earlier appearance than was expected when he replaced a dishevelled looking Jamie Price with less than a quarter of the game gone.
The Tigers had several good chances to score from corners and set pieces but the best fell for Lee Smith late in the second half when he headed beyond the keeper but saw his effort cleared off the line by a Bedford defender. The home team then hit City twice in two minutes, first with a disputed goal that Kev Sawyer argued hadn't crossed the line and then a mistake from Alex Allard that handed a second on a plate.
City Boss Tim Harris' post match interview can be heard here.
A full match report is online here whilst photos can be viewed here.
Michael Whittington watches as Lee Smith's header is cleared off the line
Saturday 6th October 2007
Jamie Price Red Card
As strange as it might sound, many Tigers' fans would consider a 0-0 home draw against Hemel Hempstead Town as a good result. The Watford team are currently flying and are one of the favourites for promotion this season so sending them back to the Home Counties with just a point, considering our dreadful form at the New Lawn is a bonus.
City had very few chances during the game, especially in the first half where Hemel really should've scored at least once but goalkeeper Kev Sawyer was in fine form to deny their free scoring forwards. The second half saw the Tigers perk up and while the Tudors were still a threat if it were a boxing mtach Tim Harris' men would've shaded it on points. The main talking point however was Jamie Price's red card for a foul on Hemel captain Paul Edgeworth, the first City player to be sent off for almost a year.
City : Kev Sawyer, Chris Thompson, Alex Allard, Neil Mustoe, Lyndon Tompkins, Marc Richards, Lee Smith (Jamie Reid 82), Matt Rose, Jack Pitcher (Jody Bevan 87), Jamie Price, Alex Sykes (Tom Webb 55). Subs Not Used : Michael Whittington, Adie Harris.
Tim Harris spoke to TR after the game, to hear what he had to say click here.
Hightlights of the match are now on Youtube thanks to the excellent camerawork of Paul Clark, also listen out for some superb commentary from Ken Green! For the first half click here and the second half here.
Jack Pitcher is sent tumbling by Hemel's Yiadom Yeboah
Jamie Price fouls Hemel's Paul Edgeworth and is shown a straight red card
Friday 5th October 2007
Jason Welsh Released
In the wake of last weeks FA Cup defeat and also the continuing run of bad form City boss Tim Harris has reacted by releasing two players and putting another on the transfer list. Strikers Jason Welsh, scorer of fourteen goals in thirty-five starts for the club and Scott Griffin who notched four goals in seventeen games have been let go and long serving midfielder Tom Webb is transfer listed.
Harris stated that the City fans hadn't seen the best of Jason who has suffered through injury and general lack of fitness, although when he did play he looked a cut above most others. However, the fact that he was involved in just 65% of the games that City played while he was at the club is a sad fact that led to his release. Griffin, who signed towards the end of last season was due to leave at Christmas to embark on a trip around the world but his time at the club has been cut short.
The biggest shock, and again disappointment is the news that Tom Webb will be allowed to leave if a reasonable offer comes in. He is very close to three hundred appearances for the Tigers and has grown up with the club, although he has struggled this season. Lets hope that Webby & Tim get things sorted because he'll be a big loss to the club if he goes.
Tim also hopes to have at least one new face in the side for the visit of Hemel Hempstead Town tomorrow at the Lawn (k/o 3pm)
Tuesday 2nd October 2007
Scott Griffin Closest to scoring
Another defeat as the jinx of the New Lawn continues but the performance was a marked improvement from Sundays defeat, even though City were unable to cope with a brutal Mangotsfield team as they slipped to a single goal defeat.
The only goal came midway through the first half when a linesman pulled up Jack Pitcher for a foul that never was and Matt Beadle wasn't picked up as he ran to goal and shot from twenty yards inside Kev Sawyers near post. Both Scott Griffin and Pitcher had headed chances either side of half time but were both off target while the bad luck continued when substitute Sam Ellis' goalbound piledriver was deflected over by a defender only to see a goal kick awarded!
Scott Griffin's header is pushed wide by the Mangotsfield keeper
Jack Pitcher's header flies agonisingly wide
Tiger Roar news streams from July, Aug & September 2007 can be found here
Page last updated : 20th November 2008
Tiger Roar is an unofficial, independant production. It has nothing to do with Gloucester City AFC 1980 Ltd or the Gloucester City Supporters Trust. All comments expressed on here (unless stated) are those of the author and not those of the football club.
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Lots of statistical information is courtesy of the great work done by club historian Tim Clark. His book is The Complete Record of Gloucester City AFC 1883–2009. (566 pgs) Tiger Timbo Publications. ISBN 978-0-9557425-1-4.
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