Page 3 - Sharpness FC

I’d like to welcome today’s match official Carl Williams along with Quedgeley’s’
players and spectators to Hamfields Leisure. Saturdays are the day of the week I
look forward to the most at the moment as it brings a little bit of normality back to
life in these very difficult times.

We experienced a very tough start to the season conceding a late goal to Rockleaze
in our opening game to open our account with a loss. Dan Gayner scored the only
goal and has subsequently transferred to Gala Wilton since.
We then showed great character the following week to grab a point late on against
a very good Wick side, Marley Thomas smashing home late on.
Our first win of the season came on the road with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over
Henbury. We made a great start to the game and found ourselves 2-0 up after 20
minutes, Sam Strickland scoring both. Strickland completed his hattrick early in the
2 half and James Priday made it 4 soon after from a corner. Marley Thomas
nd
rounded off the scoring with 10 minutes left. It wasn’t all good news on the day
however, unfortunately Ryan Collard picked up a serious injury not long after
coming on. It has been confirmed since that he has ruptured his ACL & MCL in his
knee and we wish him a speedy recovery.
The first home win came the following week with the same score line. A new front
line was required due to the Dan Gayner’s departure and Strickland being
unavailable. The two men stepping in, Brad Gibbs and Dan Turner, did a great job
grabbing a brace each and I did chip in with a goal myself.
We then hosted Hardwicke in a game that saw more cards than shots. The lads
showed great resolve in a difficult game and came away with a valuable 3 points,
Marley Thomas scoring from the spot in the 1 half after Brad Gibbs was fouled.
st
Last Saturday was a game of two halves. We started off well and Brad Gibbs was
denied early on by a smart save. Little Stoke scored 20 mins in when a goal kick
wasn’t dealt with and the striker ran through to score past Hobbs. We had to dig
in with Little Stoke being on top and grabbed a vital goal before half time,
Strickland putting Brad Gibbs through one on one and he coolly slotted past the
GK. We were the better side second half with the GK denying two headed goal
bound efforts. The winning goal came with 10mins to go, the GK making an error
and fumbling Marley Thomas’ free kick into the net.

Overall, it’s been a very good start and we’ve recovered well after a tough opening
to put ourselves in strong position after 6 games. The squad has been tested to it’s
max with the use of 23 players already but everyone that has played has made a
valuable contribution. Lastly, a big thanks to everyone who has supported me and
the team so far, it’s much appreciated.