Cinderford Town suffered a narrow defeat on the road as Fairford Town came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory in the Hellenic League Premier Division.
Cinderford manager Stephen Cleal has described the loss as a “disappointment”, but insists his side are “still coming together as a group”.
The visitors made a perfect start and took an early lead in the opening minutes.
Cinderford began brightly, with some great build up play.
Youngster Kian Davies played an impressively slick inside pass to ex-Bishops Cleeve player Harry Leeson, who slotted the ball in the back of the net to put The Foresters 0-1 up.
Cinderford looked comfortable for much of the first half and went into the interval still ahead, having limited Fairford’s attacking opportunities.
HT | We go into the second half 0-1 up thanks to Harry Leeson 🤩#TheForesters || #CTFC 🖤🤍
— Cinderford Town AFC (@Cinderford_Town) March 3, 2026
However, the momentum shifted after the restart. Fairford shifted the tempo and began to push Cinderford deeper into their own half.
The pressure eventually told as the hosts found an equaliser after a goal from Charles Holliday, which brought the contest back level and gave some energy to the home crowd.
With the game having opened up, both sides searched for a winner, but it was Fairford who completed the turnaround.
A second-half strike by Tommy Ouldridge put the hosts in front for the first time in the match, leaving Cinderford with work to do in the closing stages.
Full Time – Fairford Town 2-1 Cinderford Town
— Fairford Town FC (@FairfordTownFC) March 3, 2026
What a result! The lads put in an unbelievable shift tonight coming from behind. Credit to the full squad who dug deep. Two fantastic goals courtesy of Charlie Holliday and Tommy Ouldridge
🛬🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/rC4kdqWMbZ
Despite late pressure from the visitors as they chased a leveller, Fairford held firm to secure a 2–1 win, sealing all three points after coming from behind.
The result meant Cinderford left empty-handed despite their strong start, while Fairford celebrated an impressive comeback victory.
Words from the Gaffer after Tuesday, and looking ahead to Saturday 👊#TheForesters || #CTFC 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/VachThPvYJ
— Cinderford Town AFC (@Cinderford_Town) March 5, 2026
Boss Cleal told Park Life Sport: “Overall, I’m disappointed with the game and the result.
“Credit to Fairford, they’re a decent side and put you under pressure, especially from set pieces.
“We need to learn from it – we’re still coming together as a group so hopefully we can use it to continue the progression we are showing.”
Cinderford look ahead to hosting Royal Wootton Bassett at home on Saturday, while Fairford are set to host Cirencester Town.
