Derby draw Cirencester face neighbours after Trophy win
CIRENCESTER Town face a derby trip to Swindon Supermarine in the FA Trophy after edging past former league rivals Paulton Rovers 3-2 at the Corinium Stadium on Saturday.
After going behind in the 12th minute, Paulton recovered to take the lead. However, it was all-square at the interval and Cirencester hit the winner early in the second period.
In-form Cheltenham Town scholar Adulai Sambu opened the scoring for the hosts, only for Kyle Tooze to equalise after 29 minutes from the penalty spot before scoring his second three minutes later.
Shortly before the interval, Ross Gabriel clipped his shot inside the post to level, then 11 minutes into the second period Reegan Messenger scored the winner. Gabriel had been put through and, when his shot hit the post, Messenger bundled the rebound over the line.
Evesham United face a long trip to Suffolk to face Leiston of the Southern League Premier Division Central after they secured a 1-0 victory against Lymington Town on Saturday.
A pinpoint Owen James half-volley late on was enough to see the Robins advance past the Hampshire-based side – who they will play again this weekend.
James, in the 21st minute, and new signing Dan Griffiths on the stroke of half-time, both saw great chances go begging before James’s deadlockbreaking goal in the 79th minute sealed the victory.
The win came after boss Mike Ford shuffled his squad, with two players leaving and four arriving.
Lorcan Sheehan left last week to join Bishop’s Cleeve, and Toumani Sidibe was released, while defender Charlie Johnson has returned to the Jubilee Stadium, having been released by Yate Town.
He turned out in 2021/22 for Hellenic League side Roman Glass St George and is also a member of the successful Hartpury University team. Ben Hammett has also joined the club from Yate Town and is another talent to emerge from Hartpury University.
Hailing from Bury St Edmunds, the
21-year-old midfielder spent time with Isthmian League North side AFC Sudbury before his move to Gloucestershire.
Attacking midfielder Rio Spencer has signed on a work experience loan from Cheltenham Town, where he is a second year scholar.
Griffiths has joined Evesham on a month’s loan from National League
South side Chippenham Town.
On Tuesday night, Bishop’s Cleeve suffered a 2-0 Southern League, Division One South home defeat to Sholing, who maintained their 100 per cent start to the season and top the table by five points.
Jake Cope opened the scoring in firsthalf stoppage time, Byron Mason adding the second 11 minutes from time.