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Avonmouth FC v Sharpness AFC

Sat 12 August 2023
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vonmouth’s first ever Gloucestershire County League match attracted the days
largest County League crowd, including a number of UK wide ‘groundhoppers’
A for the season’s opening game against Sharpness AFC, nicknamed the Sharks.
Everyone was treated to a keenly fought game at the King George V ground, which
proved to be an excellent football spectacle and well controlled by referee Simon
Turner. Right from the start both teams played good football on a superb flat pitch
that gave both sets of players confidence on the ball.
Avonmouth were gaining the upper hand during the early phase of the game with
home keeper Tom Bradley dealing well with several high crosses. Both Josh Pearce
and Matt Groves had good shots on target with James Russell in the Sharpness goal
making several fine saves that kept the score goalless. The Avonmouth pressure was
beginning to tell and in the 22 minute new signing Dillon Kerr side footed into the
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Sharpness goal following a great pull back by Josh Pearce.
Going one behind proved the impetus for the Sharks and they were back on level
terms just five minutes later when Brad Gibbs screwed the ball into the right-hand
corner of the Avonmouth goal from 12 yards.
The second half continued to see both sides playing good football with several of the
young Sharpness players showing great close control. The Avonmouth side were
resolute at the back with central defender Mark Williams having an outstanding game
with the rest of the defence all playing well. The Sharpness pressure was beginning
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to tell and Avonmouth captain Tommy Taylor was sin binned in the 49 minute for
dissent and Dillon Kerr was cautioned shortly after for a foul challenge.
Both sides started to make substitutions after 60 minutes ensuring the game
continued at pace and Jordan Whittaker’s first touch was a shot on goal that was well
saved by Sharks keeper Russell. It needed a great six-yard block by Mark Williams to
keep the scores level but Avonmouth again took the lead after 81 minutes when Josh
Pearce scored following a superb assist by Matt Groves. Avonmouth were now
gaining the upper hand and secured the points in the 91 minute when substitute
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Jack Williams volleyed in to make the final score 3-1 to the home side.
Avonmouth manager Ash Bennett was absolutely delighted with his side’s
performance considering the quality of Sharpness who finished fifth in the County
League last season, and in the top five over recent seasons and tipped as potential
league winners this season.
We also spoke with six of our visitors who said they were ‘groundhoppers’ who
attend different football grounds throughout the week, both in the UK and abroad.
They were all very complimentary about the Avonmouth pitch, the facilities, the
standard of football played by both sides, and of course the welcome and
refreshments available at the bar!