Good run continues

Quedgeley maintained their solid start to the season with a narrow home victory over Shurdington, who were relegated from the top division last season.

In a tight first half both teams tried to get the ball down on the deck and play but wet and windy conditions made this a hard task. Quedgeley settled into their stride first and the away goal keeper saved well when Nick Thorne found himself one v one with the keeper. After 20 mins Quedgeley deservedly took the lead when Steve Fitt's pinpoint pass was well collected by Chris Riley who slotted past the keeper with relative ease.

Quedgeley had Steve Sparrow to thank for going in to the break with an advantage as he made a fabulous save to tip a Shurdington striker's strong effort away and thankfully the follow up was headed wide of the goal.

The second half was a much better performance as Quedgeley played with the wind and Dean Hankins could have doubled the home side's lead when he burst through the middle from a S. Sparrow free-kick but just dragged his effort wide. Hankins again almost made it two after good build up play by Ant Sparrow found Hankins whose initial effort was blocked and his follow up volley just dipped over the bar.

As the game went on Shurdington threw more bodies forward and Ant Sparrow had two one on one efforts off target and a third well saved by the keeper. Shurdington eventually equalised with a freak goal when James Mulrains clearance rebounded off Shaun Banner and the attacker finished well beyond Sparrow.

The game looked to be finishing all square after Ant Sparrow had a free-kick disallowed for taking it before the whistle and Chris Riley should have scored but somehow the keeper raced back to clear with his legs off the line. Then with 5 minutes remaining James Mulrain's over hit free-kick from inside his own half was somehow dropped into the net by the Shurdington keeper and Quedgeley had a late late winner, which on the balance of play they deserved. In added on time Dean Hankins free-kick was well turned around the post by the keeper as it looked to have found the the bottom corner.

A hard fought but well deserved 3 points for Quedgeley, however missed chances nearly proved costly for the second successive week.

Team S.Sparrow - Bridal,Mulrain,Banner,Meecham - Hankins, Fitt, Turner,Thorne - A.Sparrow, Riley - Subs - Gardiner,Judd