Well all good things come to an end, and so it happened that Cambridge City were the first team to do what Brackley had done to the Tigers in a league game back in December. That meant that the unbeaten run had stretched for almost four months over eighteen matches.
But the way the game started any neutral would've thought that it was going to be an away win all the way with Jack Pitcher's header hitting the bar before Alex Sykes struck a post when he tried to place his shot a bit too precisely. However Cambridge took the lead with the first attack when they were awarded a soft free kick which was headed back across goal where Dave Theobald sidefooted the ball into the bottom corner for an undeserved lead.
It got worse in the second half as just after the home team had had a goal disallowed for a foul on Kev Sawyer they scored against through Scott Nielsen who'd drifted in from the right wing to add the finishing touch to a string of one-two's. Alex Sykes gave the Tigers hope with what was surely the goal of the season as he was set up by Neil Mustoe and rocketed in a free kick from fully thirty yards but even the presence of Sawyer up for the last few corners in injury time couldn't force an equaliser.
First and Second half highlights from the 1-2 defeat at Cambridge
Saturday March 28th 2009
Mike Symons Gave City lead
Lets all do THE RANDALL
Can you take the excitement?
It's been a long time since this team has lost a league game and todays opponents served as a good reminder as Brackley were the last ones to leave City pointless back on December 6th 2008. That day Tom Winters scored with an unstoppable left footed drive and today he scored a carbon copy goal to level the game before the break after Mike Symons and Will Morford has scored for City with Ben Mackey pulling one back. However a sumptuous cross from Dean Grubb was met by Lee Smith midway through the second half to send the City fans into raptures as they defended stoutly to earn all three points.
The only downer on the day was the news that Tom Hamblin may well miss the rest of the season with his troublesome knee injury whilst top scorer Alex Sykes is unlikely to be fit until Saturday at the earliest and will miss the vital game at Cambridge City on Monday night.
There is a coach running to the away game at Cambridge on Monday and it needs you on it! It will leave from The Chase Hotel, Shurdington Road, Brockworth at 4pm and will cost £15 (£12 concessions). If you wish to travel please contact Joe Green on 07860 802839.
A date has been agreed for the semi-final of the County Cup at home to Yate Town. The game will be played at the Corinium Stadium on Wednesday April 15th with a 7.45pm kick off.
Lee Smith squares the ball for Will Morford to score City's second
Tuesday March 25th 2009
Lee Smith Hand in all 3 goals
Will Morford Soothing second!
Tonights 3-0 win at home to Rugby Town made it five straight victories for the Tigers as they moved into second place in the league as the final few weeks of the season promise to become very exciting.
In a nervy display against a team with very little to gain or lose City dominated but were unable to turn their possession into chances, although Lee Smith was unlucky when he shot against the angle of post and crossbar. New boy Dean Grubb also passed up a gilt edged opportunity when he shot wide from six yards but it was Smith who made the opener when he was fouled by Rugby midfielder Scott Musgrove in the penalty area.
Alex Sykes stepped up and sent keeper Andrew Stevens the wrong way to net his twenty-third goal of the season whilst continuing an impressive run that has seen him score in each of our last six games against the Warwickshire outfit.
Rugby found a way back into the game during the second half as City searched for the safety net of a second goal and when it came it was against the run of play. Liam Nicell's pass was intercepted by Smith and the City man ran three quarters of the length of the pitch before seeing his cross at the second attempt find an unmarked Will Morford at the far post.
At 2-0 Rugby should've piled on the pressure and pulled a goal when they became the first team in a while to beat City's offside trap, however their man went for power instead of precision and shot straight at Kev Sawyer, who stood there pointing and laughing at his hapless opponent. They were shown how to do it deep into injury time when Smith capped his man of the match performance with a goal for himself when he collected a pass from Matt Rose, cut inside a defender and coolly slotted the ball home from ten yards.
There is a coach running to the away game at Brackley on Saturday and it's filling up fast. If you wish to travel please contact Joe Green on 07860 802839.
Saturday March 21st 2009
Marc Richards Headed equaliser
Will Morford Scored the winner
It was a great day for David Mehew's Tigers today thanks to a spirited fightback to win 2-1 at home to Cambridge City whilst runaway leaders Farnborough had to come from 1-3 down to get a draw at home to second placed Corby.
Michael Frew had given the Lilywhites an early lead after he'd capitalised on a breakdown in communications in the City back line before lifting his shot past Kev Sawyer. City struggled to cope with the wind and failed to test the Cambridge keeper but that changed at the start of the second half when Marc Richards rose to glance home the equaliser from Alex Sykes' corner. It was another Sykes corner that led to the winner as Will Morford powered in at the far post to plant his header into the back of the net.
City are just five points off of the top spot and they have a game in hand over Corby Town. The final nine games of the season could well turn into something very exciting. The next game is at home to Rugby Town on WEDNESDAY night at 7.45pm. There will be a supporters coach for the game, see here for details.
Boris was busy in the week as he added to his squad for the run in with the signature of former Bristol City and Weston Super Mare winger Dean Grubb. The pacy attacker has initially signed until the end of the season but could make the move permanent in the summer. Again this player his been financed by a private sponsor and we thank him or her for their support.
It's there! Will Morford's header beats Cambridge keeper Zac Barratt and City have won!
This div will be replaced
Match highlights filmed by and used with kind permission of Cambridge's Dave Webb
Tuesday March 17th 2009
Lee Smith Two goals
City moved up into third place with just ten games to go with a comfortable 2-0 win against Evesham United at the Corinium tonight.
The unbeaten now last for fifteen games and goes back as far as December 6th last year whilst David Mehew's team have taken maximum points from the last three games despite having enforced absences in the last two.
Tonight Marc Richards was unavailable whilst Matt Rose's wife had given birth earlier that day so youngster Matt Sysum again belied his age with another comfortable display at the back. City won with two goals from Lee Smith, one as he slid in to connect with a wayward Luke Ballinger shot and another blasted in from an acute angle on the stroke of half time. Kev Sawyer had a quiet game but performed heroics late in the day with an incredible triple save.
Saturdays game at home to Cambridge City is now MASSIVE. We face the Lilywhites twice in ten days in two games which will go a long way to shaping the final outcome of our season. Your support will be invaluable so get along to the Corinium Stadium and support the Tigers.
Saturday March 14th 2009
Mike Symons Opened the scoring
City pulled off a fantastic victory at Corby Town today thanks to second half goals from Mike Symons and Alex Sykes. A deflected effort from Steve Towers deep into injury time made for an uncomfortable final two minutes but the win lifts David Mehew's men into fourth place after play-off rivals Merthyr Tydfil and Cambridge City both lost.
The Tigers are next in action on Tuesday night at the Corinium against Evesham United, kick off 7.45pm. A supporters coach is running from Gloucester, to book a place register your interest here or phone Joe Green on 07860802839 or Paul Clark on 07835923131.
The home match against Rugby Town that was called off half an hour from kick off the other week has now been re-arranged. The Warwickshire side will return to the Corinium on Wednesday March 25th with a 7.45pm kick off. Here's hoping for a rain free evening!
Another game to be fitted in among our playoff challenge will be a home County Cup semi-final against Yate Town. Dave Mogg's men beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 in midweek to earn the right to face the Tigers.
Highlights from the superb 2-1 win at Corby
Tuesday March 10th 2009
Will Morford A goal at last!
Alex Sykes Hit the post
Lee Smith Hit the post too
Matt Sysum Missed sitter
"10-0, we should've won 10-0" is what the City fans were singing after the final whistle at Mangotsfield tonight after the Tigers had somehow managed to only beat their hosts by a single goal. However, the welcome three points sees an end to a juddering run of three consecutive draws and keeps the Tigers firmly in the playoff chasing pack.
Dave Mehew's men got off to the best possible start when with less than a minute on the clock Will Morford raced onto Mike Symons' header and lobbed keeper Josh Clapham to score his first goal since the home match against the Bristol side back in November last year.
Mangotsfield may not be the force that they have been in recent seasons but their team battled well and had the better of possession even if they did struggle to test Kev Sawyer in the City goal. On a rare attack Morford should've netted his and City's second when a beautiful measured cross from Symons wide on the left fell invitingly for him but his header was weak and wide.
Neil Mustoe was harshly booked for a 'foul' on Mango's striker Jake Harris despite it looking a tackle but as the half came to a close how Mangotsfield centre-half Danny Barwood was only booked as he hauled back Symons who was through on goal was a mystery.
The second half down the slope at Cossham Street was all City and countless chances were spurned. Alex Sykes hit the post from an angle whilst substitute Lee Smith also saw his shot come back off the upright and another effort was drilled straight at the keeper. Morford was again unlucky when he arrived unmarked at the back stick for a corner and planted his header straight into a defender's midriff whilst the same player also blazed over from three yards out.
With five minutes of normal time remaining all hell broke lose after a rare Mangotsfield attack when the ball had been cleared. In an Arsene Wenger moment I didn't see what had occured but the referee and his two stooges came together before calling out the offenders one by one and bringing them forward like naughty schoolboys. Mitchell Page was first up and was shown a red card whilst defender Scott Hendy got a yellow. City's Matt Rose was the last to be summonsed and was also cautioned for his trouble. Apparently Tom Hamblin got away scot free for his part against his former club.
Matchwinner Morford made way for Matt Sysum, or Sy-sooom according to Cossham Street's Mr Tannoy who can't tell the time and is too stupid to read a common English name. The youngster has been on loan at Cirencester for three months and tried to impress Boris with a lung busting run to connect with Smith's inviting pass in front of an empty net. As the City fans celebrated a goal a Mangotsfield defender appeared from nowhere to clear leaving Sysum red faced and the scoreline still 1-0.
With the second half now almost an hour old another long ball forward hung up nicely for Symons who raced through, controlled the ball and shielded it from the keeper who'd come to meet him. However, Clapham climbed all over Symo and forced the City man to the floor before the giant striker shrugged off the foul, got up and shot narrowly over. Fair play according to the inept referee before his assistant flagged that it was a foul, some may say a professional foul so the goalkeeper was booked.
The final whistle was well received by the throng of City fans but quote of the evening goes to Boris Mehew junior who shouted at his old man, "Dad, your team can't score!".
Congratulations to Mangotsfield's hapless defender Hendy who, for the first time this season managed to see out a full ninety minutes against the Tigers without seeing a red card.
First and Second half highlights from the 1-0 victory at Cossham Street
Saturday March 7th 2009
Jack Pitcher Equalised & Injured
City Fan Windswept
City welcomed Merthyr Tydfil to Cirencester today and despite the Welsh club's off the field woes their lofty league position mean't this was a six-pointer, so despite the 1-1 scoreline and City's third draw in a row it was a good point for David Mehew's team.
The Tigers were dealt a blow as early as the second minute when despite protestations that the ball had gone out of play Dale Griffiths climbed highest at a Merthyr corner to head the Martyrs in front. It was the second time that Gonzo had scored against City this season after his opener at Penydarren park in November.
City were denied what looked like a good appeal for a penalty when Jack Pitcher beat Merthyr keeper Andrew Delve to a through ball but the referee suggested no contact had been made despite Delve needing treatment for an injured foot in the aftermath. Pitcher did get one over on the Welshman however when he coolly prodded home Tom Hamblin's flicked header with Delve in no mans land as the Tigers equalised just before the break.
Pitcher's appearance in the second half was a very limited one as he was feeling a troublesome groin injury and was replaced by Will Morford, thus making him a doubt for Tuesday's visit to his former club Mangotsfield United.
I'd like to say that with the wind at their backs City dominated the second period and shot at will but neither side really looked like breaking the deadlock and the spoils were shared leaving the Tigers at the bottom of the pack of playoff wannabee's.
City : Sawyer, Sykes, Marshall, Mustoe, Hamblin, Rose, Smith, Ballinger, Pitcher (Morford 46), Symons, Harris J. Subs n/u : James, Mehew, Harris A
The midweek fixture at home to Rugby Town fell victim to a torrential rainstorm over Cirencester leaving the referee no option but to postpone the game with just fifteen minutes to go until kick off.
City's fans celebrate Jack Pitcher's equaliser against Merthyr Tydfil
Saturday February 28th 2009
Tom Webb 350th Appearance
Matt Rose Outstanding
Alex Sykes Deflected goal
It was almost a case of déjà vu at the New Eyrie today as Bedford Town, the team with the Indian sign over the Tigers held us to a 1-1 draw despite David Mehew's men having the lions share of possession over the course of the game.
With new loan signing Mike Symons starting in place of his goal shy friend Will Morford City dominated the opening throes and should've been awarded a penalty when Matt Rose, often a target for the boo boys but today the driving force in midfield was pulled down by Jon Darby. Lee Smith tried to win one too as he ran into the box but simulated his fall and was shown a yellow card by the referee. However late in the half he should've earned a spot kick when his run from the left wing was abruptly ended by a crude challenge again from Darby.
But it wasn't all about penalties as City had the better chances in open play too with Alex Sykes firing narrowly over from twenty yards and then unluckily seeing his exquisite lob clear the keeper but not the crossbar as it rebounded over the top for a goal kick. The referee showed incredible restraint when Steve Jackman, who had already been booked for one foul on Jack Harris was only given a talking to after he wildly kicked out at the back of young City players legs.
Bedford, playing at home for the first time in over two months seemed to have forgotten how to exert home advantage in front of their own fans but the introduction of Andrew Phillips, he who scored with a cross at Cirencester semed to bring them to life. On the other hand Jack Harris seemed to go to sleep whilst in possession in midfield and three passes after he'd lost the ball Ian Draycott had given the Eagles a very much undeserved lead.
But lady luck soon deserted the home team as a well worked corner from Lee Smith to Alex Sykes produced a trademark left footed blammer from City's top scorer that took a deflection off of a Bedford players face and bounced into the net despite a desperate dive from goalkeeper Joe Purcell. That made it twenty-one goals in twenty-two starts for the Sykesmeister!
Other than the odd foray towards the Bedford bypass, because the Eagles weren't anywhere near Kev Sawyer's goal it was all Tigers. Jack Pitcher was incredibly unlucky when he jumped high to nod the ball beyond the keeper only to see his header bounce against the post and away whilst Symons somehow contrived to not put a loose ball away from a foot out after it had fallen invitingly to him from a corner kick.
One day we'll beat these bastards!
Today's game marked City midfielder Tom Webb's 350th appearance for the club. His first game was aged sixteen as a substitute away at Bromsgrove in April 2001 and the first of his twenty-two goals was the memorable opening in City's FA Trophy giantkilling at Woking. Still only twenty-four years old Tom could easily eclipse the all time City appearance record.
City : Sawyer, Sykes, Marshall, Mustoe, Richards, Rose, Smith (Ballinger 71), Webb, Pitcher, Symons, Harris J (Morford 70). Subs n/u : Mehew, Harris A
Although unavailable for selection at this time youngster Matt Sysum has returned from his loan spell with Cirencester and will be back in the squad when he has completed a suspension after being sent off for the Centurians.
Lee Smith, Marc Richards and Alex Sykes celebrate City's equaliser at Bedford
As Cheltenham are in dire straits City fans held a collection for them on the way home from Bedford
Thursday February 26th 2009
Mike Symons Back on loan
Some surprise transfer news from the club comes as ex-City striker Mike Symons has returned to the fold on loan from Blue Square Premier neighbours Forest Green Rovers.
Mike played eight games for City at the start of the season, scoring six goals before he was lured to the New Lawn where he'd also been registered to play for their reserve team. However chances for him have been few and far between and his move back to the Tigers is a welcome one.
With the club operating on a limited budget Symo's arrival means that someone has to make way and that man is fellow forward Andy Keveren. The experienced striker scored twice in his short spell at the club, most notably deep into injury time to salvage a point away at Chippenham Town at the end of January. He joins up with his former club Bishops Cleeve and TR wishes him all the best.
There will be a coach running to the game at Bedford Town on Saturday leaving from Meadow Park at 11.30am and returning from the match at 5.30pm. If you wish to travel the cost will be £13 for adults and £10 for under 14's and over 65's, contact Joe Green on 07860 802839 or register your interest on the COF.
Saturday February 21st 2009
Will Morford Should've scored
Tom Webb Costly booking
Jack Harris In fine form
Back to League action after the midweek disappointment at Bridgwater Town and the Tigers couldn't have asked for a tougher test than the visit of runaway leaders Farnborough.
Having already lost 1-2 at Cherrywood Road to the Hampshire outfit David Mehew was keen not to see a repeat and it showed in his 4-4-1-1 formation with striker Jack Pitcher again showing his versatility by playing on the flank. With Matt Rose at a wedding in Scotland and Luke Ballinger again missing through work plus the ever present threat of Kev Sawyer's wife about to give birth Boris had a job on his hands putting strong enough team on the field. As cover he had signed goalkeeper Richard Fey from Frome Town but he wasn't required as Kev and the defence, including an assured display at right back from left back Jack Harris shut out the team in top spot in what turned out to be an entertaining goalless draw.
Farnborough will think that they should've taken a lead in the first half with striker Michael Charles having three good opportunities although he was unable to beat the in-form Sawyer. City's best chance fell for Jack Pitcher who saw his looping header bounce inches wide of the post.
In the second period the City keeper had to be at his best to block a stinging drive from Joshua Webb but Mehew's men had the better of the chances with Will Morford blazing over when he was one-on-one with keeper Richard Barnard, Alex Sykes coming closer with every attempt although Lee Smith was unlucky that his free kick, which evaded everyone as it bounced in the corridor of uncertainty hit the post and went away fromn the goal instead of into it!
One negative point to come from the game was the soft booking that Tom Webb earned midway through the second half as he pulled back an opponent in a position almost as far from Sawyer's goal is he could get. The caution takes him to five for the season and means that he will miss the home game with Merthyr Tydfil in two weeks time, although if they go out of business, as looked likely up until the deadline they were set on Friday then Webb will sit out the Rugby Town match on the following Tuesday.
As good as the result and point was the sad fact is that wins for Chippenham Town, Cambridge City and Halesowen Town saw the Tigers pushed out of the playoff zone. A series of events that only underlines how tough the next two months are going to be if they are going to realise their ambition of gaining promotion to the Conference South.
If you've enjoyed some of the videoclips that you've seen on TR and want to see more then I could have just the job for you! Paul Clark and Shandy have been great cameramen but it's not fair to ask them all of the time so I'm looking for someone (competant) who can help ease their burden for upcoming Saturday matches. I'm happy to film the games under the lights but photography comes first in the daylight so if you're happy to have a go please come and see me at the next game.
Farnborough's Leigh Rumbold can only watch as Jack Pitcher's header goes inches wide
Tuesday February 17th 2009
Stuart Jones Stand In Keeper
Jack Pitcher Won Penalty
Lee Smith Scored it!
Be it a knockout game (Street, 2-3 in the FA Cup) or a league match (Taunton Town, 0-5 back in January 2004) our excursions into Somerset seem to have a habit of ending in tears. And so it proved tonight with this desperately disappointing 1-2 reverse at the hands of Bridgwater Town.
The Southern League Cup had presented itself as a very winnable competition, a feat not to be sniffed at as the last time that Gloucester City's first team won anything outright was on April 7th 1993, almost sixteen years ago and back when City winger Brett James was in nappies. Some may argue that it was foolhardy to field a weaker team at this stage in the competition as the aforementioned youngster and striker Andy Keveren started along with new goalkeeper Stuart Jones, although that was because it was unfair that expectant father Kev Sawyer should be a hundred miles away from his wife if she was to go into labour.
The new keeper made a comfortable save low down to his right when he was first tested but Bridgwater striker Graham Merceica showed that he liked to keep up with the Jones' when he charged down the City debutant's clearance leaving ex-Mangotsfield player Marcus Duharty the simple task of nodding the ball forward and rolling it into an empty net.
David Mehew's men hadn't had a shot on target and that was underlined when Luke Ballinger stole in unmarked at the right stick but could only mishit his effort widly away from the goal. So it was a relief when for the eighteenth time this season the Tigers were awarded a spot kick after Town defender Bradley Middleton pulled back Jack Pitcher as he strode into the area, an offence which saw the home player booked. Lee Smith cooly slotted to spot kick high to the keepers right.
City struggled to create clear cut chances and were lucky not to go a goal behind at the start of the second half when @@@@@ @@@@@ headed home from a corner but the referee, who in all honestly was very friendly to City blew up for a push on ~~~~~~~~~
But even though Boris strengthened his side with the addition of Marc Richards and Will Morford they failed to create chances in front of goal so would've been heartened as Middleton was dismissed for his second foul on Pitcher. However, like a bolt out of the blue former Bath City and Tiverton Town winger Nat Pepperall outran Jack Harris down the right wing before cutting in and poking a perfect ball through the City backline where Dan Forward nipped in and lifted a shot over Jones.
So the dream of silverware died and the City fans present were left wondering if the new addition to the Sawyer clan turns out to be a boy and that in sixteen years time he's an accomplished footballer like his old man and playing for the Tigers, well we have actually won anything by then?
City : Jones, James (Richards 62), Harris J, Ballinger, Hamblin, Rose, Smith, Webb, Pitcher, Keveren (Morford 62), Marshall. Subs n/u : Mustoe, Harris A, Mehew
Well folks it's getting towards that time of the season where the media (does TR count as "media"?) starts to use the football phrase "Six-pointer" whether it's a game at the top end or the bottom of the table, so todays game at the Grove against Halesowen Town was a real six-pointer!
City were weakened by the absence of the suspended Lee Smith, who was forced out of the game for accruing five yellow cards. Thankfully his ban was for just the one game and not three as had been rumoured by various sources. Luke Ballinger took his place on the right hand side and got better as the game got older so may well keep his place at Bridgwater on Tuesday night. Halesowen were missing influential midfielder Jay Denny, also banned whilst they'd also lost winger Alex Cowley who'd allegedly left after he'd allegedly been paid with an alleged rubber cheque. The word on the street is that the Yeltz are in all sorts of financial difficulties and they seem to have two or three new players in the team every week. No-one ever won promotion like that.
Well Halesowen didn't look like a team of strangers as they dominated the opening twenty minutes and went a goal up when left winger Aaron Cornwall beat Neil Mustoe to a bouncing ball and lobbed it over Kev Sawyer into the far corner to give the beleagured home fans something to cheer about. The Yeltz were rampant and were given a chance to make it two when Matt Rose was adjudged to have fouled Cornwall for what looked to me like a block tackle but it mattered little as Sawyer did what he's good at and dived to his right to deflect Davion Hamilton's penalty away.
"He's big, he's round, he's worth a Million pounds, Kev Sawyer, Kev Sawyer!"
Talking of penalties it wasn't long before we got one as they're always easier to give once the ref has pointed to the spot once. This time Syko earned his own when he appeared to be jumped over by Yeltz defender Dennis Pearce and after a moments reflection the man in black pointed to the spot. Sykes showed Hamilton the way to do it as he sent Nick Bussey the wrong way to level the game and in the process bag his fiftieth goal for the Tigers.
Like buses we didn't have to wait long for the number 51 to Goalsville to arrive as a superb crossfield pass to Ballinger found the wide man in space, but in more isolation was Syko who'd bust a gut to lose any markers and was found with a lovely ball that needed just a touch to control and a neatly placed shot in off the post to put the Tigers ahead at the break.
Just as we were wondering how the second half would play out, if the Tigers would go on to score more or whether they'd have to batten down the hatches to keep the home team out Tom Hamblin went and earned two yellow cards in a short space of time. The red card meant more rejigging of the formation from Boris and Adie as Syko was denied the chance to get another hattrick when his number was held up and he was replaced by Jack Harris as City moved to 4-4-1.
It was with some relief for the Tigers as Darren Caskey was pulled off meaning that the threat of his quality centres and set pieces was removed from the Halesowen armoury. The home fans were also relieved because they don't seem to apppreciate him too much and it also mean't that they were able to aim their "fat" jibes at Sawyer now that Caskey had left the fray.
With the Chairman's stopwatch ticking through the second half Will Morford ran his socks off as he headed clearances onto himself whilst Ballinger grew more and more and looked quite comfortable as he ran the ball out of defence where he was ably backed up by Mustoe at right back as they combined to quell the threat of Cornwall down the wing. Morf was withdrawn for Andy Keveren with fifteen minutes to go but the former Bishops Cleeve man wasn't able to hold the ball as well as Will but the City defence held out admirably and it was cheers all around Yam Yam land when the referee blew his final whistle just shy of five o'clock, Birmingham time.
City : Sawyer, Sykes (Harris J 59), Marshall, Mustoe, Hamblin, Rose, Ballinger, Webb, Pitcher, Morford (Keveren 77), Richards. Subs n/u : Harris A, Twyman, James
Just a heads up for anyone planning to make the trip down the M5 tomorrow night for the league cup game at Bridgwater, DON'T! The game was called off this afternoon with the Somerset team's Fairfax Park ground suffering from a waterlogged pitch. The game has been re-arranged for next Tuesday, February 17th with a 7.45pm kick off. The Supporters are running a minibus to the game, if you wish to travel register your interest here.
The weather has caused nightmares for local football with games across the area and across the league having to be postponed, City are no exception and the recent fixtures away at Cambridge City and home to Rugby Town have both been cancelled due to snow covered pitches.
Of course, the snow causes all sorts of disruption to daily life and I was no exception as I got a half day on Friday so used the time to enjoy a snowy Robinswood Hill. At the top who should I see but City winger Lee Smith with his friends enjoying a bit of sledging. I hope he enjoyed it because these postponed matches have mean't that his three match ban for five yellow cards has now kicked in and will miss the games against Halesowen, Bridgwater and Farnborough, three important matches for City!
The club have announced the dates for games that have needed to be re-arranged. They are Rugby Town home, Tuesday March 3rd; Evesham United home, Tuesday March 17th; Cambridge City away, Monday March 30th and Stourbridge away Tuesday April 7th. All games kick off at 7.45pm.
City fans Paul Clark, Mark Compton and Matt Yates have joined forces to give the Tigers another website, this one using the excellent Pitchero template. Be sure to visit the site if only to see their pie charts. Mmmm, pies!
Lee Smith hasn't let the snow stop him enjoying himself!
Saturday January 31st 2009
Andy Keveren Last Gasp Equaliser
Jack Pitcher Claimed opener
Kev Sawyer Fouled?
It's been a long time coming but at seventh time of asking City have finally earned a point from a league game at Hardenhuish Park in Chippenham.
However the 468 people present will have enjoyed what turned out to be a superb local derby with the Tigers dominating against a poor Chippenham team in the first half as they attacked down the slope. Sadly the ball wouldn't go in as the City attackers saw countless efforts either blocked by last ditch tackles, arrow narrowly wide of the upright or find the midriff of keeper Chris Snoddy.
Chippenham couldn't be as bad in the second half surely and Jack Pitcher gave them reason to up their game by helping Tom Webb's low cross into the far corner but the home team came back into the game and forced themselves level in controversial fashion.
A corner from the left bobbled around Kev Sawyer's six yard box and new signing Lewis Powell hooked a shot goalwards but as the City keeper dived on the ball he appeared to be forced over the line by Ashley Williams. The referee, stood on the edge of the area ruled that the ball was in and no foul had been committed even though his assitant with a better view failed to flag.
Substitute Andy Keveren somehow shot wide from point blank range with his first touch before being booked when Chippenham defender Ross Adams feigned contact as the City man closed him down after a clearance. Tom Webb was also booked when Adams again went down like a $20 whore after the Chipp defender refused to hand the ball back to the City midfielder for a free kick. A melee ensued and Webb saw yellow with home fans claiming that Webb had used an elbow, punched, kicked, taken a machete to or hung drawn and quartered his opponent depending on who you were listening to.
The topsy-turvy nature of the game again reared it's ugly head when Scott Lye played David Pratt into the right hand channel and the pacy striker strode into the area before netting inside Sawyer's near post to give the home side a typical lead with the game entering injury time.
But any City fan who left early would've been disappointed as at the second attempt Lee Smith delivered a perfect low cross into the corridor of uncertainty and Snoddy remainded rooted to his line as the ball found it's way to the far post where Keveren slid in to make no mistake and bury the ball into the back of the net for his first league goal for the club.
The Chippenham fans who moments earlier were chanting "1-0 and you f**ked it up" were left with egg on their faces.
Remember, he who laughs last laughs loudest!
City : Sawyer, Sykes, Marshall, Mustoe, Hamblin, Rose, Smith, Webb, Pitcher, Morford (Keveren 79), Harris J. Subs n/u : Harris A, Nehew, Twyman, James
Sadly there will be no highlights from todays game, even though Paul Clark kindly filmed the game. A technical issue mean't that his footage was out of focus and, as can be seen by the clip of Jack Pitcher's goal isn't of the standard required for tigerroar.co.uk.
Jack Harris is beaten in the air by Chippenham's David Pratt
Tuesday January 27th 2009
Lee Marshall Phantom Foul
Jack Pitcher Scored Equaliser
City extended their unbeaten run to nine games thanks to a 1-1 draw at home to Banbury United but it will seem like two points dropped rather than one gained against the team at the foot of the table.
The Puritans could've taken a shock lead within seconds of the kick off when Nicky Gordon burst through but shot wide of Kev Sawyers far post. The Tigers did have the ball in the net when Lee Marshall returned Alex Sykes' corner to Jack Pitcher who shot home but the Cheltenham based linesman raised his flag to indicate a ficticious foul that he'd seen and the goal was ruled out.
City were struggling to play any kind of football on the ground whereas their opponents were getting closer and closer on each attack and eventually took a deserved lead on thirty-one minutes when a deep free kick from the goalkeeper was headed into the path of Gordon by Howard Forinton and his square ball seemed to take an age to find the unmarked Richard Groves but when it got there the winger made no mistake.
However, City's blushes were spared eight minutes into the second half when Jack Pitcher collected a Kev Sawyer goal kick out wide and cut inside where he had a speculative shot at goal. His attempt was blocked but the ball fell kindly for him and to Banbury defenders were very accomodating too as he was given room to turn and shot from the edge of the area and his shot was too hard for Puritans keeper Joe Murrell.
Neither side were able to add to that and both teams finished with a point.
Chippenham Town went down 2-3 at Clevedon, a result which saw the Seasiders move off the bottom of the table and be replaced by Banbury!
The only people who can tell why this goal was disallowed come from Cheltenham.
Saturday January 24th 2009
Jack Pitcher Got the leveller
Steve Book Shit in the air
Alex Sykes 18th of the season
The Tigers made it ten points from their last twelve at the Corinium Stadium today with a tense 2-1 victory over Tiverton Town.
Despite press reports suggesting that David Mehew would have to make enforced changes to his starting eleven the only alteration to Tuesday's win against Hemel Hempstead was the inclusion of Luke Ballinger for Jack Harris. A selection appreciated by Ade Tandy if no-one else!
Tiverton have a bad reputation among their peers in the BGB Premier although the fact that they're dirty and they know how to get away with it means that they don't top the disciplinary table. Their antics go hand in hand with their football style and it was no surprise that the goal that they took the lead with came from direct play. A long throw from Bobby Hopkinson was inadvertantly headed on by Tom Hamblin at the near post and no-one had picked up Phil Walsh who had the simple task of sidefooting the ball into an empty net.
Being stood next to Phil Gough though it was hard to be downbeat and if you believed him then the equaliser wasn't far away. He was right you know and it came courtesy of a Neil Mustoe free kick, aimed straight at Steve Book who, true to form dropped the ball under pressure from Jack Pitcher and as the Tivvy keeper looked to the referee for an infringement the City striker smacked the ball into the unguarded net.
City took the lead seven minutes into the second half when Lee Smith was pulled down by Mike Booth and the Tigers were awarded their sixteenth penalty kick of the season. With Tuesday's embarrassing miss still fresh in his mind Syko stepped up and slammed the ball straight down the middle where Book got a hand to it but wasn't able to stop it crossing the line.
Just like the midweek encounter against Hemel the game was played out with City defendijng their lead but it wasn't for the faint of heart and the final whistle was well received, although not so by the Tivvy fans who surrounded the tunnel to give the officials a piece of their mind.
City are now sixth and firmly among the chasing pack, although they are also a win away from second place. Tuesday's game against Banbury (k/o 7.45pm) will net another vital three points if City win so get yourself along to the Corinium and bring a mate to roar the Tigers to victory!
City : Sawyer, Sykes (Rose 80), Richards, Mustoe, Hamblin, Palmer, Smith, Webb, Pitcher, Morford, Ballinger (Harris J 60). Subs Marshall, Harris A, James
Two players have left the club; Joe Arnold, the forward on loan from Team Bath has a hamstring injury and has had his temporary transfer terminated whilst defender Ashley Thomas is taking some time out from football after struggling to regain his fitness and form after a recent injury.
Jack Pitcher slams the ball home for City's equaliser against Tiverton
Tuesday January 20th 2009
Alex Sykes Two more goals
James Palmer Denied first goal
Luke Ballinger Hit the bar
The sound of the final whistle at the Corinium Stadium tonight was music to the ears of the City fans who'd watched nervously as their team had battled to hold onto a 2-1 lead against Hemel Hempstead Town, a team which the Tigers had previously never beaten since the league re-organisation in 2004.
The Tudors had done well to soak up the initial threat from City and even without their dangerous striker Anthony Thomas, who was late arriving but named on the bench they were playing the better football and looking the most likely to score. And so it happened midway through the half when Steve Wales rode a challenge from Jack Harris and his far post cross was met by Nathan Bowden-Haase who headed home despite the presence of Kev Sawyer and two City defenders.
This rocked City to their foundations and the game was there for the taking but Hemel couldn't find that killer second goal and were made to pay deep into first half injury time. Jack Pitcher laid the ball off to Alex Sykes, who appeared in that area of the pitch to the left of and just outside the top penalty box at the Corinium where he has scored so many goals from this year and expertly arrowed a left footed drive inside Ian Brown's right hand post. Steve Bateman's men must've felt as though they'd been mugged.
The goal gave the Tigers the impetus to go for it as they attacked down the slope in the second half and were handed their second on a plate when Bowden-Haase, the Keith Curle lookalike centre back climbed all over Pitcher leaving the referee no option but to point to the spot. After missing penalties against Bedford and Mangotsfield in that goal Syko made it third time lucky as he sent Brown the wrong way to score.
Minutes later he was given the chance to complete his hattrick again from the penalty spot when the hapless Bowden-Hasse clumsily bundled him over but this time his spot kick cleared the bar by some distance and was last seen disappearing into the night sky over the Cirencester Arena.
City were on top and were unlucky not to make it three when Brown pulled off a smart save to turn James Palmer's curling effort around the post but the Hemel keeper could only stand and watch as substitute Luke Ballinger beat him with a lob but the ball struck the crossbar to cruelly deny the City man a goal. For the visitors Thomas finally saw some action with twenty minutes to go and had the chance of the match to snatch a point but his close range effort at the far post almost matched Syko's second penalty for comedy woefullness.
The win moves City back up to the fringes of the playoff positions but if they are to make a serious challenge then there will need to be more than the pathetic turn out of 160 because that number wouldn't be able to finance Mangotsfield's wage bill let alone a club with ambitions matching those of the Tigers.
City : Sawyer, Sykes (Ballinger 79), Richards, Mustoe, Hamblin (Marshall 65), Palmer, Smith, Webb, Pitcher, Morford, Harris J. Subs Arnold, Harris A, Mehew
Ex-City loanee Lewis Fathers was named as a substitute as Cheltenham Town fucked up their chances of a lucrative home FA Cup tie against Aston Villa when they lost 0-3 away at Doncaster tonight. Fathers didn't get on.
First and Second half highlights from the 2-1 win against Hemel Hempstead
Saturday January 17th 2009
Lee Smith City scorer
Neil Mustoe In midfield!
If you go by the theory that a win at home and a draw away against your opponents makes an impressive return over the course of a season they'll you'll be happy with the point that City earned at Bashley today.
However, if you're like me and you expect to win every game, especially after we'd beaten a team once already this season then you'd be disappointed, especially as City had taken an early lead and then handed the home side an equaliser through a defensive error.
The game was just nine minutes old when Neil Mustoe's free kick from the halfway line was inadvertantly flicked on by a defender to Lee Smith who controlled the ball with his chest before smashing it past Bash keeper David Elm from a narrow ankle with his left foot. Less than two minutes later City should've been handed the chance to make it two when Smith was body checked off the ball as he weaved his way into the area but the Tigers' appeals for a penalty were waved away. I feel like writing a strongly worded letter to the Southern League because we've not been awarded a spot kick for ages!
Bashley equalised ten minutes before the break when, at a corner Kev Sawyer misjudged a cross in the wind and could only palm the ball into the path of Dave Allen who rifled a shot in off of Tom Hamblin's right foot and through Marc Richards' legs. As far as goals in this game were concerned it was a case of "Goodnight, thank you, and may your god go with you".
The second half tedium was only interrupted by the occasional flash of football as City switched to 4-4-2 to cater for the growing threat that the home team were imposing. Joe Arnold, on for the concussed Jack Pitcher should've done better when set up up on a quick counter attack by Lee Smith but could only hit the large Elm in the Bashley goal and Neil Mustoe, who played the second half in midfield saw his shot blocked by a defender with a hint of handball, although it looked more like chest, chest, arm if anything. Bashley themselves hit the base of the post as the game limped towards full time but both camps would've been happy to take a point.
To make matters worse my idea of a quick short cut through Burley Street to reach the A31 at Picket Post were stifled by a "Road Closed" sign that led us on the kind of diversion where you have to drive twenty miles to cover the length of a goal kick. Bastards!
City : Sawyer, Sykes (Marshall 55), Richards, Mustoe, Hamblin, Palmer, Smith, Webb, Pitcher (Arnold 61), Morford, Harris J. Subs (n/u) James, Harris A, Mehew
First and Second half highlights of the game at Bashley
Thursday January 15th 2009
Bridgwater Town SL Cup opponents
The draw has been made for the quarter finals of the Southern League Cup and City have been handed a short trip down the M5 to face Bridgwater Town. Whilst City were busy knocking out Yate Town the Somerset team were in the Forest of Dean beating the Bear Killers on penalties. The game will take place on Tuesday February 10th (k/o 7.45pm).
The need to play the SL Cup match will see our previously re-arranged fixture away at Stourbridge moved to a new date.
The full draw is...
Atherstone Town v Brackley Town
Bridgwater Town v Gloucester City
Bury Town v Chesham United
Swindon Supermarine/Andover v Windsor & Eton
That concludes the draw for the SL Cup Quarter Final.
Tuesday January 13th 2009
Joe Arnold New signing
Andy Keveren First City goal
Twenty-four hours before City's comfortable 3-0 League Cup win at home to Yate Town City boss David Mehew swooped to sign Team Bath striker Joe Arnold on a months loan. The centre-forward, whose wages are being met by the Fans Fund initiative faces upto nine games in his brief spell at the club.
On the night it was good to see City back in action and as the game went on and the freezing fog came down it served as a reminder as to why so little football has been played lately.
The game, in a very winnable competition against a strong looking Yate team went to form with Lee Smith putting the Tigers ahead just after the half hour with a tremendous strike with his secret weapon; his left foot. The Bristol side didn't trouble Kev Sawyer at all in the first half and the only thing to really break the monotony was the ongoing midfield duel between Tom Webb and Paul Chenoweth that has been simmering for the past few seasons.
In the early stages of the second period Boris introduced Jack Pitcher, Andy Keveren and Jack Twyman and much to the relief of the impressive Luke Ballinger none of whom were for him. The other loanee James Palmer had a solid game in place of the suspended Matt Rose whilst Arnold showed a few nice touches up front.
The Bluebells might've pinched an equaliser when Jake Reid prodded his shot narrowly wide of the far post but Keveren made the game safe when he smashed home a shot from the outside of the area that was too hot for Dan Woodhall in the Yate goal to handle. Pitcher made it three just before the end by adding the finishing touch to a low cross from Webb.
City : Sawyer, Ballinger, Richards, Marshall, Harris J, Palmer, Smith, Webb, Arnold (Keveren 56), Morford (Pitcher 45), James (Twyman 59). Subs (n/u) Sykes, Hamblin
First and Second half highlights from the League Cup match versus Yate
Monday January 12th 2009
Alex Sykes The Movie
There have been no news updates on Tiger Roar lately because there has been no news to update you with!
On Saturday January 3rd our scheduled visit to Stourbridge was postponed because the pitch on the football side of the cricket ground was rock hard and this week our home game against Evesham was called off because the Worcestershire side would've kicked the ball that far into the air that it literally would've come down with snow on it! The Stourbridge game has now been rearranged for Tuesday February 10th (k/o 7.45pm).
With games being called off thick and fast during this cold snap anyone who is missing out on the action and has twenty minutes to spare can sit back, relax and enjoy this compilation of goals that Alex Sykes has scored since he's been with the club. The camerawork is dodgy, the commentary is vulgar, the Yate footage is creepy but above all there are some damn fine goals from the left foot of the "Sykesmeister". Enjoy!
Alex Sykes - The Movie
Thursday January 1st 2009
Alex Sykes 15 goals, 14 starts
Kev Sawyer Penalty save
The Tigers started 2009 in the best possible way with a comfortable 3-1 win over league surprise package Swindon Supermarine at the Corinium and in the process consigning Mark Colliers men to their first away defeat of the season.
On a very cold day the pitch was a cause for concern as Hereford referee Andy Williams deemed it fit for play, much to the dismay of the Swindon camp. Their desire for an afternoon off didn't show as the game started though as they gave as good as they got against a spirited Tigers attack.
But two Alex Sykes goals in the run up to half time was a hammer blow to the Hunts Copse outfit. Syko's first looked to be heading towards the right hand post when a hefty deflection altered its path leaving 'marine keeper Matt Bulman rocking on his heels as the ball swerved inside the post. Just three minutes later City's midfield goalscoring machine was at it again thanks to a layoff from the hard working Will Morford as he rifled in a left footed drive from the edge of the box, again with Bulman a spectator.
That is now 15 goals in 14 starts for Syko!
The second half started poorly for the Tigers as Swindon pulled a goal back through Leigh Henry (Thierry's younger brother) with a shot through Kev Sawyer's legs during the aftermath of a corner. But Jack Pitcher restored the two goal advantage when he pounced on Lee Smith's shot when it was half blocked by the Supermarine defence to poke the ball beyond the keeper who seemed to be concentrating more on a non existant offside flag than Pitcher and the ball.
With the game deep into injury time Tom Webb was penalised for a rash challenge on Steve Cook and the Swindon player dusted himself off, got up and coolly slotted the penalty kick to Sawyer's left. Problem was that City scout Dougie Foxwell had watched a previous Supoermarine spot kick from the same player and told big Kev to dive that way!
City : Sawyer, Sykes, Richards, Mustoe, Hamblin, Rose, Smith, Webb, Pitcher, Morford 63, Harris J. Subs (n/u) Ballinger, Thomas, Mehew, Harris A, Marshall
City have signed midfielder James Palmer on a months loan from Weston Super Mare to cover for the suspended Matt Rose. James, son of former Bath City player Dave Palmer has made nine league starts for the Seagulls.
First and Second half highlights from the Supermarine match
Tiger Roar news streams from Oct, Nov & December 2008 can be found here
Page last updated : 30th September 2012
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.
Most content on this site is copyright of the site owner and must not be reproduced without prior permission (unless waived by the author). Please do not use or remotely link to any of the images or videos on this site.
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.
I would like to express thanks to everyone who has helped make this website possible through donations, images, video clips and statistical information. If you feel I have used your own copyrighted material and would like it removed, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss it's removal because it makes Nathan Walker cry.
Above all, enjoy the website and please come back for more!
