Page 16 - Avonmouth FC v Rockleaze Rangers 230424

Avonmouth v Ruardean Hill Rangers

This was Avonmouth’s first game after the disappointing loss last weekend
against Rockleaze and today provided an opportunity to pick up maximum
points that would guarantee them the County League title for the first ever
time in their 105 year history. However, a resolute Ruardean side were
intent on making it a difficult afternoon for the home side and an
entertaining spectacle for the 140 onlookers.
After 7 minutes Ruardean’s Oliver Mason’s free kick was gathered by keeper
Tom Bradley who made the save look easy. It wasn’t until the 10 minute
th
that two great chances fell to Avonmouth, the first was well saved by
Ruardean keeper Aaron Underwood who pushed the ball around the post
and shortly after a good cross was headed just over the bar. After 17
minutes a free kick by Ruardean captain Fin Jones into the box was cleared
by the defence. Three minutes later there was another half chance for
Avonmouth after keeper Underwood parried the ball and Cody Winkler was
first to react but couldn’t turn and get his shot on target.

Just after the half hour the ball was received by Kofi Martin in the Ruardean
box with his back to goal and he expertly turned his marker and shot under
the keeper just as he was strongly challenge to put Avonmouth 1 up.
Avonmouth almost made it two on 38 when Charlie Aldom was denied by a
smart save by keeper Underwood. A Ruardean free kick taken by Jones was
confidently collected by Avonmouth keeper Tom Bradley who quickly
punted the ball up field to Cody Winkler who calmly finished with ease to
double the Avonmouth lead right on half time.

Just 10 minutes into the second half, prolific goal scorer Josh Pearce made
it 3-0 to Avonmouth with an outstanding finish. Halfway through the send
half Matt Groves fired in a free kick and keeper Underwood parried the shot
straight out to Charlie Aldom who had no trouble tapping the ball into the
Ruardean goal to make the score 4-0. Avonmouth were now well on top and
Groves won the ball deep in the Ruardean half and finds substitute Dillon
Kerr who with just the keeper to beat placed his shot into the net to make
the final score 5-0. This win for Avonmouth guaranteed the Glos County
League title and was the start of celebrations in the clubhouse after the final
whistle.