Gloucestershire Men’s Football Ones moved to the top of the Western 3A table with a
comfortable 3-1 victory over Exeter University Fours at Plock Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Goals from Callum Bridge, Macsen Rhys-Williams and Rory Hunt saw Gloucester move to the
summit for the first time this season.
They will have the opportunity to secure the league title next Wednesday, needing a draw
or better against their nearest rivals Exeter Threes.
Striker Bridge knows despite now being favourites to secure promotion, next week’s game
will still be a difficult fixture.
“The boys are really looking forward to next week. When we played them at home, we were
comfortably the better side.
“We are hoping to do the same when we travel there but we know that they will be up for
it. Obviously, some nerves but we will be hoping to secure the title at their place.”
Gloucester started Wednesday’s game on the front foot and almost took the lead inside the
opening minute of the match.
Midfielder Adam Smith won the ball deep in Exeter’s half and his cross found Rhys-
Williams at the back post but he fired just wide.
The home side would not break the deadlock until just after the half hour mark through
talisman Bridge.
Rhys-Williams released Smith in-behind the Exeter back-line with a disguised reversed-pass
and he would pick out the striker who headed home.
Bridge is the league’s top goal scorer with seven goals but knows that this would not be the
case without the players around him.
“It’s a great thing to hear! I feel as the season has gone on my finishing has definitely improved.
“I’m fortunate to have some top-quality players around me who will always create chances. I’m hoping to finish the season strong and score some more important goals.”
Gloucester would double their lead shortly after half time through the involved Rhys-Williams.
A quick free kick by captain Dylan Venn found Bridge inside the box who this time turned
provider and squared the ball to the Welshman to tap home.
The visitors would halve the deficit 10 minutes from time with a long-ranged strike which
managed to find the bottom corner past Dan Smith in the Gloucester goal.
However, Gloucester would restore their two-goal cushion just minutes later through a goal
Manager Ivor Gumm can take a lot of credit for.
Oliver Dark picked out fellow substitute Rory Hunt with an inch-perfect through ball and the
latter would round the keeper and pass the ball into the empty net.
A goal which eased the tension at Plock Court and the home side would see out the
remaining minutes well to confirm a vital three points.
Gloucester travel to Exeter 3s next Wednesday, with the chance to return to Western Tier 2
for the first time in three years.
Gloucester Starting XI: D. Smith, Blackman, Brown, Wheaver, Banfield, Danter-Welch, Venn
©, A. Smith, Rhys-Williams, Bridge, James
Used Subs: Bilongo, Littlewood, Dark & Hunt
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