Tiger Roar - Frontpage archive 2009 Q3

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Tiger Roar frontpage archive - 2009 Q3
Tuesday September 29th 2009		Dorchester Town FA Cup Opponents
City's reward for beating Bashley on Saturday is another trip to the south coast(ish) to take on Dorchester Town on October 10th, kick off 3pm. Older fans will remember our game against the Magpies during the 1989 FA Cup run where a first half headed goal by Steve Talboys earned us a trip to Cardiff City. It's likely that a coach or coaches will be running to this game so keep an eye on the City Open Forum for details. In other news a date has been set for the County Cup tie away at Cheltenham. A fringe City team will face a Robins reserve XI on Tuesday October 20th with a 7.45pm kick off in what will be little more than a training match. Tiger Roar advises City fans to stay at home and not contribute funds to the cash strapped club at the dark side of the Golden Valley.

Saturday September 26th 2009		Jack Pitcher offside? Lee Marshall got the winner
For just the second time in ten seasons City have advanced to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win in the New Forest against Zamaretto Premier division side Bashley. David Mehew's men too the lead midway through the first half when Jack Pitcher timed his run to perfection to beat the offside flag before cooly slotting the ball under giant Bashley keeper David Elm. The relief in his celebration was clear for all to see as he scored his first goal of the season. The Tigers enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure and Tom Hamblin somehow planted a header against the post whilst faced with an open goal before the hosts equalised through Dave Allen in injury time with a well worked free kick routine. City's cause was aided by the sending off of Bashley skipper Paul Gazzard who'd been chipping away at the young referee since the opening goal earning his first card for dissent and his second for a clumsy late challenge on Lee Smith. The winning goal came from an unlikely source, Lee Marshall who seems more comofrtable as a centre-half than a rampaging left back. His presence in the box for Smith'scorner however reaped rewards when he sidefooted home from three yards. But the game would've needed a replay had it not been for goalkeeper Mike Green's stunning full length save from Adam Kelly which broke the hearts of the hosts. City : Green, Baldwin, Marshall, Richards (Mustoe 66), Hamblin, Rose, Smith, Webb (Palmer 82), Morford, Pitcher, Ballinger (Sykes 66). Subs n/u : James, Harris.A Photos - Mike Green & Boris Interview There will be a coach running to Ilkeston Town next Saturday leaving Meadow Park at 11.30am. Seats will be Ł15 for adults and Ł13 for over 65's or under 14's, to book a seat please contact Joe Green on 07860 802839.


The City fans celebrate Jack Pitcher's opening goal at Bashley

Wednesday September 23rd 2009		Tim Clark launched his book
City Fan, Statistician, Author and Historian Tom Clark is proud to present his book The Complete Record of Gloucester City AFC 1883-2009. Following years of research his book is now available for Ł20 + p&p from here.


Phil Warren hosts the book launch at Gloucester City Cricket Club

Saturday September 19th 2009		Will Morford two goal salvo Mike Symons injured
Played five, lost five was City's pathetic home record before todays vistors Blyth Spartans arrived at the Corinium Stadium but tonight they embark on the long journey home as the first team to leave Cirencester pointless. After a bright start when Will Morford wasted a glorious opportunity in the first minute and Mike Green made a great save to deny ex-Scuzzer Paul Brayson it was Blyth who took the lead when lanky winger Robert Dale robbed Tom Hamblin before closing in at an angle on goal and finishing at the second attempt. But Morford wasn't to be outdone and he scored the equaliser after strike partner Mike Symons refused to give up on an overhit pass and cut the ball back to Lee Smith whose shot was brilliantly saved by Blyth keeper Craig Turns but the ball fell for the unmarked Morford to control and tap home his first goal of the season. Having had the better of the first period after the break the Tigers pressed home their dominance and were denied a goal when Morf challenged the keeper for a ball on the goalline but despite winning the header the lino refused to flag that it had crossed the line, however with the City fans ire still in full voice Lee Smith was cut down and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Smith dusted himself down and cooly slotted the ball past Turns. Symons had a great chance to make it three but somehow failed to connect with a ball less than a yard out before he was carried off with a nasty looking ankle injury but needless to say Morford had the last laugh when he easily brushed off the challenge of a Blyth defender to score his second and City's third for a thoroughly deserved three points. City : Green, Baldwin, Marshall, Richards, Hamblin, Rose, Smith, Webb, Morford, Symons (Pitcher 70), Harris.J. Subs n/u : Sykes, Ballinger, Palmer, Harris.A Photos - Boris Interview - Symo & Morf Interview City boss David Mehew has put in seven days notice for Mangotsfield right back Neil Arndale, an experienced defender who has also played for Bristol Rovers and Cirencester Town. Leaving the club on a temporary basis are midfielder Sam Robinson and defenders Matt Sysum and Michael Noakes who have all been loaned to Cinderford Town.


Will Morford scores his second and City's third against Blyth Spartans

Saturday September 12th 2009		Jack Pitcher header blocked
If Boris wanted to make the Corinium Stadium into a fortress, after five games and five defeats sadly, all he's managed to do is build a sandcastle which those northern bullies keep coming down and kicking over. City started with an unusual one man up front type formation and despite a period of play that saw half chance after half chance it was Workington who took the lead when Jack Harris deflected a free kick past Mike Green. Just before the break Jack Pitcher had a blatant penalty appeal ignored when he was freight trained by the Cumbrian keeper, quite how the referee thought it was a fair challenge is beyond me. The second half again proved frustrating with the away team scoring again after Lee Marshall had given away a needless free kick in an area of the pitch where Workington could do little damage. But City's heads seemed to drop and there was to be no repeat of the Farsley comeback, instead we saw balls coming out of defence alarmingly quickly and aiming for lone striker Mike Symons who simply couldn't get the ball to stick when it came near him. Pitcher was again fouled as he strode in to put away a fumbled from Workington keeper Caig but the referee looked to his assistant who refused to flag for the foul and the game was dead and buried with a quarter of the match to play. City : Green, Sykes, Marshall, Baldwin, Richards (Hamblin 61), Palmer (Ellis 61), Smith, Webb, Pitcher (Morford 72), Symons, Harris.J. Subs n/u : Rose, Ballinger Photos - Interview City have been handed a tough away draw at Bashley in the Second Qualifying round of this seasons FA Cup. Knowing how this competition has a habit of dumping on the Tigers I guess it doesn't help by saying that we haven't won at Bashley for fifteen years!


Jack Pitcher is sent to the ground by Workington keeper Tony Caig

Monday September 7th 2009		James Palmer booked Mike Symons last gasp equaliser
Tonight was the night that really hammered home how harsh life in the Blue Square North can be. Just two days after a long trip up the M5 and the M6 to play against Vauxhall Motors tonight we were scheduled to make the long trip up the M5 and the M6 to the east side of Manchester to play Hyde United! The late arriving Boris had instructed Adie Harris to take to the field with a 4-1-4-1 formation and use Mike Symons to bring the midfield into play, however, Symo had forgotten to apply the glue to his shirt and various body parts and the ball simply wouldn't stick meaning that the Tigers (of Gloucester, Hyde are the Tigers too) were often on the back foot. With just under ten minutes to go until the interval the home side took a not unexpected lead when good interplay between the two strikers let in Scott Mooney who rounded Mike Green to net his first goal of the season. Midfielder James Palmer was replaced by Alex Sykes at the interval but he can count himself lucky to have been on the pitch until then when he got involved in an altercation with Hyde's Scott McNiven. Both players had slid in for a fifty-fifty ball and as the Manc came off worst he kicked out at Palmer, but the City man reacted by pushing him, the dirty northerner went down like a sack of spuds and after a get together by both teams both players were booked. Syko's first act was to send in the closest shot that City had had to the target all night and as the game opened up there was hope for the fifteen or so who'd made the trip up from Gloucester. Hyde thought they'd been awarded a penalty when a powerful cross connected with Jack Harris' midriff but City's resolute defending and Hyde's lack of an end product paid off when Symons was in the right place at the right time to net City a somewhat fortuituous point. City : Green, Palmer (Sykes 45), Harris.J, Baldwin, Richards, Rose, Smith, Webb (Ellis 63), Pitcher, Symons, Ballinger (Morford 78). Subs n/u : Sysum, Harris.A Defender Alex Kite has returned to Bristol Rovers following the completion of his months loan from the League One club.

Saturday September 5th 2009		Jack Pitcher header blocked
For me one fear of being placed in the Blue Square North was the abundance of talent available to teams in the north-west, particularly around Liverpool and Manchester. On this evidence however there really is nothing to fear, unless that is todays opponents Vauxhall Motors had failed to tap into it. Saying that it was a frustrating game for David Mehew's men who were missing the injured Neil Mustoe, Tom Hamblin who'd failed a fitness test and Alex Sykes who was at a wedding. The Tigers looked the better team in the first half but for all of their possesion they failed to get a shot on target, whilst in the second the Motorman's winger Robbie Booth was sent off for foul and abusive language towards the linesman. City could've won it at the death when Jack Pitcher met Lee Smith's cross with his head but could only find keeper Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton, a player so large that if they wore names on their shirts his would require no abbreviation. If that was bad luck then poor refereeing saw that the Tigers were denied two penalties in seconds when a defender, on the ground, scooped Tom Webb's cut back to the unmarked Smith away with his hand before Pitcher was taken out by two men as he ran in for the loose ball. City : Green, Robinson (Harris 60), Marshall, Baldwin, Richards, Rose, Smith, Webb, Morford (Pitcher 65), Symons, Ballinger (Sysum 79). Subs n/u : Palmer, Ellis Photos Chairman David Phillips spoke with Tiger Roar about the ongoing processes involving the return to a new ground in Gloucester, click here to view it.


A Vauxhall Motors defender stops Tom Webb's pass with his hand

Monday August 31st 2009		Neil Mustoe injured
After Saturdays fantastic win City were brought back down to Earth, albeit not with a bump as AFC Telford pinched all three points with a goal from Matt Nolan midway through the second half. David Mehew firmly believes in the ethos of a squad game so just forty-eight hours after the Corby game he named a changed side to take on the Bucks. Neil Mustoe, Will Morford and James Palmer were restored to an attack minded starting eleven with Alex Sykes behind the front two and Lee Smith back at right back! City's main threat seemed to come from Lee Marshall's long throws but they could argue that they should've had a penalty when Sykes was bundled over as he shaped to shoot but the referee, a familiar face from seasons past didn't want to know. Telford had the ball in the net but their striker was adjudged to have fouled Mike Green whilst jumping for a bouncing ball. City captain Mustoe was at fault for the goal as he misjudged a long ball to let Nolan in and was injured in the process, but City were unlucky when a rehearsed free kick routine worked for the first time only for Telford keeper Ryan Young to save with his legs. We might've lost at home again but it was an improvement. City : Green, Palmer, Marshall, Baldwin, Hamblin, Mustoe (Robinson 71), Smith, Webb, Sykes (Pitcher 81), Symons, Morford (Ballinger 81). Subs n/u : Rose, Sysum Boris's Interview - Photos.


Mike Symons suffers permanent ear damage from the whistle happy prat!

Saturday August 29th 2009		Lee Smith hat trick hero Luke Ballinger enjoyed his goal James Baldwin cleared off the line Tom Hamblin doubled seasons' tally
Corby Town's Rockingham Triangle athletics stadium. Who'd have thought that everyone's least favourite ground would become the exact opposite for City? A number of regulars didn't show for this one, citing the distance from the pitch and our seemingly lack of form but that reasoning is madness considering City's great record and the fact that talismen Alex Sykes and Tom Webb were back in the fold for the Tigers. Also making his debut was new signing James Baldwin from Forest Green as Boris looked to plug the rather large hole at the back. City were priced at 5/1 (which I had a piece of) and those odds looked incredibly generous as Mehew's men organised themselves and using Mike Symons as a trojan horse at the heart of Corby's defence went in at half time three goals up. Lee Smith, last week at right back this week on the left wing stole in behind the Steelmen's rearguard to connect with a Symo flick header and blast a shot past Mark Osborn after just seven minutes. Luke Ballinger made it two when he breezed past Steve Towers onto Symo's crossfield pass, then touched it around the out rushing keeper before accurately sidefooting the ball into the unguarded net with the game a little over a third old. New boy Baldwin showed his worth when City keeper Mike Green was beaten by Leon Mettam but the Corby mans shot didn't have the legs to get over the line before the defender swung his left foot to clear, and it was Baldwin's defensive ally Tom Hamblin who bagged the third when he somehow bundled Lee Smith's cross in from under the crossbar. "Concentrate!" was the word from Boris in the City dressing room at half time whilst his counterpart Graham Drury made three changes, including ex-Nottingham Forest pineapple head Jason Lee. Any danger of City throwing away their hard work as the wind tore across the wide open stadium was put to the back of their minds as they weathered the early Corby storm and then went and scored a fourth goal. Mike Symons advanced forward and set his sights on the target but his shot was blocked by a defender and spooned up into Syko's path, where he rushed on and got the loose ball before poking it through Osborn's legs. Corby were still pressing though and earned a free kick when Baldwin gave away a foul and earned a yellow card for his trouble. The set piece, from just outside the box was put away with perfection by Gordon Strachan's son Gavin. Although, no sooner had Mr Tannoy announced the goal Lee Smith was cutting in from the left wing and burying his second goal of the afternoon inside Osborn's far post. With half an hour to play Corby abandoned their footballing ethics and started to lump the ball long into the City box. This did pose a threat with the height and knowhow of Lee but it left gaps at the back and Smudge was unlucky not to score again when his curling effort cannoned back off the crossbar. The home team did pull one back though when striker Leon Mettam somehow found space in a crowded penalty area to pull down a cross and shoot past Mike Green. But it was Lee Smith's day and he finally banished the memories of his tame penalty kick at Bromsgrove in January 2003 that denied him his maiden City hattrick when he got his third as he rushed past the frequently straying Osborn to guide his shot home from a narrow angle. Even an injury time goal from Brett Solkhon couldn't dampen City's spirits. Top of the league? You're havin' a laugh! City : Green, Sysum (Robinson 86), Marshall, Baldwin, Hamblin, Rose, Smith, Webb (Palmer 88), Sykes (Morford 83), Symons, Ballinger. Subs n/u : Mustoe, Pitcher Boris's Interview - Smudger's Interview - Goal Compilation - Photos. Anyone wishing to go to Monday's home game against AFC Telford United is advisied to get there early if they want to park as a large away contingent is expected. A supporters coach is running to the Corinium, you can book a place by phoning Joe Green or visiting the COF. No official announcement had been made yet but word on the street is that we have been drawn away against the Scuzz in the County Cup. City are likely to treat this as a game for their fringe players so quite why the mongs on the Scuzzers Nest and CTFC Talk are getting so excited is beyond me.


Alex Sykes nutmegs Corby keeper Mark Osborn to score City's fourth

Sunday August 23rd 2009		Lee Marshall consolation goal
It was another bad day at the office as Sunday football came to the Corinium Stadium today with City slumping to a 1-4 defeat against Manchester side Droylsden after a ridiculous four goal burst for the visitors at the start of the second half. City rode their luck in the first half against a strong Bloods team and did well to go into the break level but the opening fifteen minutes of the second half saw the away side score four times, twice when influential defender Tom Hamblin was off the pitch being treated for a serious looking injury. Tony Gray stooped to head home at the far post before lifting his second over Mike Green, then Steve Beck drove a shot under substitute Lee Marshall and winger Shaun Whalley completed the scoring with a tap in after Green had blocked his initial shot. Marshall got City's consolation with a direct free kick into the top corner but the defeat was another harsh lesson about life in the Blue Square North. City : Green, Morford, Kite, Mustoe ( Palmer 60), Hamblin (Marshall 51), Rose, Smith, Ballinger, Pitcher (Ellis 60), Symons, Harris J. Subs n/u : Robinson, Sykes Interview - Photos.


Lee Marshall watches his free kick find the top corner against Droylsden

Tuesday August 18th 2009		Tom Hamblin matchwinner
It's taken four games and a fair amount of disbelief but we've finally got our first points on the board thanks to a one-nil win against Birmingham side Solihull Moors at Damson Park tonight. In a game billed as a relegation six-pointer as early as August the only goal of the game was scored on the hour by Tom Hamblin who swept in a knock back from Mike Symons at a corner. It was a game of highs and lows for the centre half as he left the field ten minutes before the end with a hip injury. The home side, a Frankenstein-like amalgamation of former rivals Solihull Borough and Moor Green should've equalised as the game crept into injury time when an unmarked player at the far post headed the ball across the face of goal with the target gaping. Likewise Will Morford had a good chance to seal all three points for City when through unopposed but his left footed effort was always going wide of the far post. City : Green, Morford, Kite, Mustoe, Hamblin (Robinson 86), Rose, Smith, Ellis (Wixey 45), Pitcher, Symons, Harris J (Sysum 88). Subs n/u : Palmer, James Interview - Citizen Report - Hambo's goal.

Saturday August 15th 2009		Lee Smith two goals Sam Ellis equaliser
City's unwanted 0% record in the BSN continues after what turned out to be a very entertaining 3-4 defeat against an average Farsley Celtic team in front of a piss poor crowd of 241 at the Corinium Stadium. The Yorkshiremen took advantage of a lethargic looking Tigers first half display to go in with a seemingly unassailable 0-3 lead thanks to goals from Gareth Grant, Liam Shepherd and Patrece Liburd. The first was an unstoppable lob, the second though was controversial, with Farsley looking to have beaten the offside trap at a free kick despite calls that their man was four yards off. The third, just before the break was coolly swept home beyond Mike Green. Two changes at the break saw the ineffective James Palmer and the unfortunate Matt Sysum replaced by Dan Wixey and Will Morford, with Matt Rose dropping to centre half and Jack Harris slotting into centre midfield. Within two minutes City had pulled a goal back, Lee Smith scoring from the penalty spot after Mike Symons had been tripped before Smith fired a second underneath the keeper. Super Sammy Ellis got the equaliser with fifteen minutes to go when he stooped to nod home Symo's knock back but City's hearts were broken when a quickly taken free kick found Farsley substitute Simeon Bambrook in acres of space for him to drill a shot past Green. City : Green, Sysum (Morford 45), Ellis, Mustoe, Kite, Rose, Smith, Palmer (Wixey 45), Pitcher, Symons, Harris J. Subs n/u : Twyman, James, Harris A Interview - Citizen Report - Photos. Tom Webb turned out for Yate Town in their 1-0 win over AFC Hayes today as he continues his recovery from injury.


Sam Ellis stoops to head home City's equaliser in todays game

Tuesday August 11th 2009		Mike Symons consolation goal
Played two, lost two reads the Conference North table after City were soundly beaten 1-3 at home by the impressive Eastwood Town tonight. A giveaway goal midway through the first half was a real sickener as City looked to match their Nottingham opponents so it was a great relief and real lift when Mike Symons equalised with a perfect lob just before the break. However, two goals in two minutes just after the interval gave the Badgers an insurmountable lead as they went home with all three points. City : Green, Sysum, Pitcher, Mustoe, Kite (Ellis 45), Rose, Smith, Palmer, Morford (James 75), Symons, Harris J (Robinson 58). Subs n/u : Harris A Click here to purchase a DVD of tonights game. Interview - Citizen Report - Symo's goal Saturdays home game against financially stricken Farsley Celtic has become a must win for David Mehew's men. The Supporters Trust are running a coach to Cirencester, if you want to join it contact Joe Green on 07860 802839.

Saturday August 8th 2009		Mike Symons headed City's first Jack Harris gave City hope
City boss David Mehew wasn't too despondant after this opening day 2-3 defeat at Southport after his team had fought back to run the fancied Scousers very close in the final ten minutes. After a difficult journey on the M6 and an enforced service stop some fans managed to get through the turnstiles as Mike Symons flicked a Lee Marshall long throw into the far corner to give City a surprising lead. However slack marking from Matt Sysum saw the Sandgrounders equalise with a free header at the far post before they took the lead when defender Earl Davis got something onto a driven centre to score his first goal for six years. Six years! Starting the second half at 1-2 wasn't too bad and as we'd already scored, even though Davis at the heart of the defence was virtually impassable there was always the chance of getting another goal. However, it proved that at the higher level you will be punished for your mistakes and so it proved as poor communication between goalkeeper Mike Green and Neil Mustoe saw the keeper clear but in the process become out of position. The clearance was returned, Muzzie was easily sidestepped and before Greener could compose himself the ball was in the net. A disappointing way to surrender the game. That said, it gave great encouragement to the travelling fans that City didn't lay down and die and did indeed force their way back into the game. A throw in from substitute Sam Robinson was retunred to him and he threaded a pass across the edge of the penalty box to Jack Pitcher who held off a defender for Jack Harris to rifle home an accurate shot into the bottom corner. Sam Ellis, a player who when fit could be a star for City almost scored to force a somewhat undeserved draw but his volley flew narrowly wide of the upright. City : Green, Sysum, Marshall (Pitcher 45), Mustoe, Kite, Rose, Smith (Ellis 70), Palmer (Robinson 65), Morford, Symons, Harris J. Subs n/u : James, Harris A Interview - Citizen Report - Photos - Symo's goal - Vern's goal. If you missed the game I have a copy of the match DVD, with commentary and permission to reproduce copies to raise money for the Supporters Trust. If you'd like a copy then see me on Tuesday or email me.


Mike Symons flicks in City's first ever goal in the Blue Square North

Monday August 3rd 2009		Brett James opened the scoring
City won their final pre-season friendly 2-0 at Gala Wilton tonight, although in a game which has been traditionally seen as one for the strikers to fill their boots it was a surprise that David Mehew wasn't disappointed by the lack of goals. Only goalkeeper Martin Pearce, borrowed from Bishops Cleeve, Sam Robinson and winger Eddie Jones started both halves for the Tigers as Mehew tried to give as many players (and coaching staff) a run out and a goal in each half was enough to defeat a local team who included Jake Burns, the son of ex-City manager and legend Chris. Youngster Brett James opened the scoring after fifteen minutes when he raced through the Gala defence before rounding the keeper and slotting home. He actually scored a second on the stroke of half time but it was ruled out for offside, even though there was a defender on his ass on the goalline. New signing Robinson made it two with a cooly taken penalty in the second half after Jack Pitcher had been crudely tripped but the biggest cheer of the night came when Mehew himself made an appearance, only to end up on his own ass when presented with a gilt edged opportunity to score. City (1st Half) : Pearce, James, Mustoe, Palmer, Sysum, Kite, Jones, Smith, Robinson, Marshall, Symons. City (2nd Half) : Pearce, Truchan, Jones (A Harris 77) Wixey, Ellis, Robinson (Randall 77), Twyman, Rose, Noakes (Light 80), Pitcher (Mehew 80), Richards (Robinson 84). Interview - Photos Trialists Eddie Jones and Curtis Russell have signed for the club along with former youth teamer Dan Wixey. All three are likely to be loaned out to stay match sharp. The Supporters Trust are trying to run a coach to Southport on Saturday, although are struggling for numbers. If you want to go then contact Joe Green on 07860 802839.


Sam Robinson cooly slots the ball home from the penalty spot for City's 2nd

Saturday August 1st 2009		Luke Ballinger scored & injured Eddie Jones first City goal
City were delighted to be able to welcome old friends Merthyr Tydfil to the Corinium Stadium this afternoon following weeks of hard work from their Martyr's to the cause Supporters Trust who have taken control of the club. The team from the Heads of the Valleys almost didn't make it though, as complications over their football licence almost saw them replaced by the Bear Killers. I'd like to think that the 4-1 scoreline represented the gulf in class between a Conference North team and a Zamaretto Premier one. Even if cynics would point to Merthyr's lack of match practice that saw them overrun in the end it certainly didn't show at the start of the game when they took the lead as striker Cortez Belle flicked onto partner Matthew Trotter who controlled the ball and shot past Danny Holdcroft in one swift action. As the heavens opened over Cirencester Will Morford equalised for the Tigers when he scored a goal of pure class, turning on the edge of the box and nonchelantly flicking the ball over ex-City keeper Andrew Delve and in off the bar, Will's celebration was strangely muted though! In the second half City took control and within two minutes were in front when Lee Smith cut inside from the right wing and sent and unstoppable left footed shot inside substitute keeper Ryan Griffiths' far post. Luke Ballinger increased the lead when he was the recipient of a perfect low centre from hard working centre-forward Mike Symons before youngster Eddie Jones wrapped the game up as he fired a shot inside the upright. The only downside of the game were knocks to both Ballinger and Symons which saw them forcibly substituted and will mean that they're unlikely to feature against Gala Wilton at Fairmile Gardens on Monday (k/o 6.45pm) City : Holdcroft, Ballinger (James 66), Sysum (Wixey 60), Mustoe, Kite, Rose (Robinson 60), Smith (Jones 60), Palmer (Ellis 74), Symons (Sysum 83), Morford, Marshall. Interview - Photos Before the game two sets of supporters battled out some Anglo-Welsh pride with a six-a-side match in the Dome. Despite starting strongly and taking the lead City eventually succumbed and lost 4-9, although be warned and don't go near Paul Clark for a month unless you want to be bored by the tales of his lob over opposition keeper Martyr Rich!


Luke Ballinger sweeps home City's third goal against Merthyr

Thursday July 30th 2009		Mike Green City's new keeper
The pre-season action has come thick and fast for City with two games in two days, although neither brought a positive result. On Tuesday David Mehew took his team to Paulton Rovers and played out a 0-0 draw then tonight bogey team Bath City won the prestigious Prince Charles Trophy with a 1-2 victory at the Corinium. Jack Pitcher put the Tigers ahead when Willem Puddy, a goalkeeper on loan from the Scuzz hopelessly grasped at thin air but a splendid move down the right undid the City defence and Welsh wing wizard Richard Evans equalised at the far post. In the second half Darren Edwards stole in behind a hesitant Tigers defence to score the winner off the post. City (v's Bath) : Holdcroft, Ballinger (Robinson 55), Marshall, Mustoe, Sysum, Rose, Smith, Palmer (Jones 63), Pitcher, Symons (Wixey 58), Morford. Subs n/u : Hamblin, Harris A Photos After weeks of mystery City have unveiled their new goalkeeper. He is Twenty-year old Bristol Rovers stopper Mike Green who will be with the club on a season long loan. He is joined by his Pirates teammate Alex Kite, albeit only on a months deal.


Neil Mustoe presents Players Player of the Season Lee Marshall with his award

Saturday July 25th 2009		Luke Ballinger disallowed equaliser
City slumped to their first defeat of the pre-season campaign with a 2-3 home reverse against FA Cup giantkillers Chasetown at Cirencester today. The Birmingham team, who have been moved from the Southern League to the Unibond fell behind after five minutes when City's Lee Smith cut inside from the right wing and sent an unstoppable drive with his left foot past the static Ryan Price. Two goals in three minutes before the break spoiled what had been an otherwise assured debut for stand-in keeper Ashley Bryan from Minehead with the mystery new number one rumoured to be in the ground. In the second half Jack Pitcher levelled for City when he beat former Hednesford keeper Price to a cushioned Matt Rose header but the Scholars bagged all three imaginary points when Craig Marshall powered home a header of his own direct from a corner. Luke Ballinger did have the ball in the net in the last minute but the linesmans flag put paid to any hopes of it counting. Matt Sysum had a game to forget with his first start of pre-season. The young defender could've done better with Chasetown's second goal and almost scored an own goal which gave away a corner that led to their third. On the other hand, both Will Morford and Jack Pitcher looked fit and strong and on that kind of form will prove a handful for many BSN defenders. City : Bryan, Ballinger, Marshall, Mustoe, Sysum, Rose (Robinson 65), Smith (Symons 57), Palmer, Pitcher (James 71), Morford, Harris.J (Russell 71) (Harris.J 87) Photos One fixture change to make a note of, the BSN home match against Droylsden which was scheduled for Saturday August 22nd has been put back by twenty-four hours to the Sunday afternoon to avoid a clash with landlords Cirencester Town. More changes will be announced in due course.


Jack Pitcher beats Chasetown goalkeeper Ryan Price to the ball to make it 2-2

Tuesday July 21st 2009		Jack Pitcher two goal hero!
The Tigers were back in friendly action tonight with a short trip down the M5 to GFA HQ where they took on Almondsbury Town. David Mehew continued to try different tactics and went with a lone striker against the Hellenic League side with Mike Symons flanked by Lee Smith and Jack Pitcher. Again James Palmer impressed in the middle of the park and it was he who was at the centre of what could've been a nasty brawl midway through the first half. Minutes later the home side had taken the lead when Kane Ingram's speculative drive took a deflection that wrong footed City's former Almondsbury keeper Danny Holdcroft. Symons equalised for the Tigers just before the break when he was left unmarked from Alex Sykes' free kick to head into the bottom corner. In the second half the Tigers went in front after substitute Will Morford set up Jack Pitcher but Ingram again showed his prowess when firing a free kick through the wall to peg the scores at two-two. But Mehew's men showed their class with two late goals as Jack Harris put City ahead before great tenacity from Pitcher saw him rob the keeper before passing the ball into an empty net. Among City's trialists tonight was Frenchman Julien Cuxac, a player who has offered his services via the clubs official website. Could he be the clubs first overseas star since the legendary Jorge Ferro? City : Holdcroft, Robinson, Marshall (Harris.J 45), Mustoe (Cuxac 65), Richards, Rose (Wallington 70), Smith (Ellis 65), Palmer (Jones 70), Pitcher, Symons (Russell 65), Sykes (Morford 45) Photos - Interview


Tempers get a bit frayed in tonights "friendly" at Almondsbury!

Saturday July 18th 2009		Roary the Tiger and the open top bus
The Tigers have been the toast of the City of Gloucester this weekend following a civic reception at the North Warehouse on Friday night and pride of place in the 2009 Carnival with an open top bus around the City streets this afternoon. Rob Kujawa was tasked with organising the whole day and he did it with aplomb with the double decker on loan from Cardiff bedecked in yellow and black proclaiming City's promotion to the Blue Square North. The bus was flanked on all sides by City fans who handed out information sheets about the club including forthcoming fixtures at the Corinium Stadium. Tiger Roar was present on the bus and took a number of photographs which can be seen at Flickr or purchased here


City's fans who proudly led the open top bus through the streets of Gloucester

Wednesday July 15th 2009		Alex Sykes Can't stop scoring!
City had their first taste of pre-season action with a 1-1 draw at at Ledbury Town last night. A number of trialists featured against the West Midland regional league side including reserve goalkeeper Danny Holdcroft, youth teamer Codey Truchan and new signing James Palmer, who looked City's best player in the first half. Alex Sykes netted the opening goal of the game from close range for the Tigers before Dorian Colling, a player who had been on trial with City bagged the equaliser at the start of the second period. City : Holdcroft, Marshall, Sykes (Jones), Mustoe, Truchan, Robinson (Smith), Ballinger (Russell), Palmer (Wallington), Symons, Morford (Rose), Harris J. Interview - Citizen Report - Photos City start their Blue Square North campaign with a tricky away game at Southport, the venue of our famous FA Trophy win in 2003 before Eastwood Town make the long midweek trip to the Corinium Stadium on the following Tuesday. However, now that the Southern League have released their fixtures no less than five dates clash and there will be changes to City's schedule.


Alex Sykes opens the scoring for City at Ledbury

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Page last updated : 13th November 2009

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