Under 9s Match Reports

Mid-Glos Mini Soccer League
Saturday 9th February 2008

Wow! - what a match! The game was set to be tough and indeed it was particularly so following the Gladiators worst defeat of the season in the earlier away match against Kings Stanley.

Both teams showed excellent ball control and accurate passing but Kings Stanley were sharper in the first half which resulted in a superb goal in the top right hand corner of the net and a second from a corner when in a moment of rare defensive confusion the Galdiators conceded an own goal. So to half time, two goals down but playing well and a bit unlucky not to have scored.

In the second half the first to strike in reply was Michael Assheton - a solo run taken all the way! Kings Stanley conceded several corners as the Gladiators piled on the pressure and a well struck corner kick by Michael Assheton caused them to have their moment of confusion and to concede an own goal. So at 2-2 with both the teams running their hearts out from end to end but not quite making it. In the last 15 minutes, the Galdiators scored another good team goal struck home by Ben Vallender to take the lead. Ten minutes later as the legs were getting weary, Kings Stanley broke through the defense to get the equaliser 3-3. The battle continued and shortly before the final whistle, Aiden Bonehill supported by the mid field summoned the strength for a last attempt and he took it all the way to get the winning goal. Final score 4-3

Man of the match: Abbeymead Rovers Gladiators - Aiden Bonehill; Kings Stanley United - Harry Bennett

Saturday 2nd February 2008

Following a disappointing performance by the Galdiators last weekend when they lost to Quedgeley Wanderers 2-1 [Our goal by Michael Assheton; Man of the match Gladiators - Dominic Perris; Quedgeley Wanderers - Ethan Stonarch], the Gladiators faced the leaders of the league Wotton Rovers at their home ground on Saturday 2nd February 2008.

After a slow start on a frosted pitch, the very organised home team dominated the game and taking the advantage of the home ground and the downhill slope, despite good defense by Alex Flemming,Robbie Searle and keeper Edward James, were two ahead at half time leading 2-0. In the second half with better pitch advantage, the Gladiators game picked up with better passing and positioning getting past the Wotton defense several times with very good attempts by Ben Vallender,Michael Assheton and Aiden Bonehill. An own goal by Wotton lifted the Gladiators spirits. A game of two ends that unfortunately allowed the home team to score in a moment of defensive confusion but then replied to by the Gladiators with a very good team goal finished by Aiden Bonehill.

Probably the most competitive and best played game of the season to date, despite a couple of missed team members, the Gladiators lost 3 - 2. The Gladiators may well surprise them on the return match!
Man of the Match: Abbeymead Rovers Gladiators - Ben Vallender; Wotton Rovers - Henry Patteson