Tigers please new manager

MIKE Cook was pleased with Gloucester City’s performance in his first game in charge at home to Hungerford on Saturday.

The Tigers had to play most of the game with ten men after Chris Knowles was sent off for an alleged stamp in the 18th minute of the goalless draw against their relegation rivals, which leaves them in the relegation zone and four points adrift of safety.

Cook, who was appointed boss last week following the departure of Chris Todd, was pleased with how his side reacted to the sending off.

He said: “We’d only had the one training session on the Thursday night and we worked on a bit of shape in case we were out of possession. So to go down to ten men and follow through with a plan was really pleasing.”

Gloucester’s side featured new loan signing Harry Hodges and returning forward Zack Kotwica, while Ryan Law, who joined from Plymouth along with Hodges, and Fabien Robert, back at the club for the rest of the season from Forest Green, came off the bench.

“I thought they did excellent,” said Cook. “Harry and Ryan are travelling from Plymouth, so it’s a three-hour journey for them.”

Gloucester could appeal Knowles’ red card.

Cook said: “I didn’t actually see it, so I can’t comment on the tackle, but we were fighting against the referee.”