Quedgeley Wanderers edged a 2-1 win over Cheltenham Civil Service who tasted defeat in the league for the first time this season.
Civil Service began the game on the front foot, pressuring a youthful Quedgeley side.
However 30 minutes into the half Quedgeley, front man Ollie Curtis rounded the keeper to slot home a simple finish following a mistake in midfield.
Just three minutes into the second half, Cheltenham striker Chisom Obi levelled the game after a spill from Quedgeley keeper Evan Coombs.
Two minutes later, after a mix-up at the back for Civil Service, Curtis lashed home his second of the day, reasserting his team’s lead.
How it happened
With their opponents beginning the day without a win and bottom of the league, Civis were looking to make it four league wins in a row.
Despite the early advantage, Civil Service struggled to create chances. Quedgeley, with their younger side, utilised their pace on the counter, looking dangerous but ultimately struggled to create many chances themselves.
The opening goal of the game came following an error in the Civil Service midfield at the thirty-minute mark. Quedgeley striker Curtis took full advantage, rounding the keeper and found the net to make it 1-0.
Civil Service had a golden opportunity to level the game just two minutes later when centre-half Teejay Hosking was brought down in the box following a corner.
Stepping up to take the penalty he’d earned his side; Hosking saw his low and powerful attempt saved after a brilliant dive from keeper Evan Coombs.
Early pressure from the visitors in the second half earned them a goal after Quedgeley’s keeper failed to get his hands on the ball in a scramble. This gave Obi some space in the box to finish, levelling the game at 1-1.
The home side replied with some pressure of their own. Forcing the ball forwards, Civis keeper Jacob Iley was caught just outside the box.
With no choice but to head the ball, Jacob saw his header rebound into the path of Curtis who slotted the chance home to make it 2-1.
Despite this, Jacob was impressive on his debut for Civil Service, making a number of key saves and demonstrating excellent composure with the ball at his feet.
Overall assessment
In general, it wasn’t a great performance from Civil Service. A lack of togetherness and communication allowed their opponents to get on the ball in dangerous areas.
Despite starting the day bottom of the league, Quedgeley showed resilience at the back and stifled many of the chances Civil Service attempted to create.
Manager’s thoughts
Civil Service Head Coach, Steve Holend, was disappointed with his team’s performance.
“The overriding feeling is disappointment. On chances, we could have gotten something from the game.”
“The reality is that both with and without the ball, we didn’t reach the standards we’ve set for ourselves which is the first thing to put right going forward.”
