Page 16 - Avonmouth FC v Quedgeley Wanderers 030224

Mark Simpson
First time in a number of weeks that the full scheduled list of fixtures has been played. Some
interesting clashes at the bottom with Almondsbury, Cheltenham Civil Service, and
Quedgeley Wanderers picking up useful wins. Avonmouth are now seven points clear of
Frampton United and have three games in hand.
Starting at Waterwells where Quedgeley Wanderers hosted Broadwell Amateurs with
the first effort of the game a 30 yarder Harry Reynolds straight at Jack Watkins in the
Broadwell goal. Broadwell retaliated and broke down the wing, but Ethan Wilkes’ shot was
straight into Nathan Charnock’s chest, and was quickly followed by an attempt from Liam
Thomas. On the half hour Wanderers Rio Spencer worked well with the ball to pass multiple
players, went for goal, the ball rebounding off the bar to Finlay Jenner who miskicked, and
the chance was gone. Broadwell managed a few shots but failed to find the target and it was
right on half time that the deadlock was broken, a through ball to Spencer who crossed for
Jenner to tap in.
Broadwell came out fighting in the second half, but the first chance went to Quedgeley’s
James Stanbury whose header was over. Broadwell’s Jamie Belfitt had a cross shot straight
at Charnock who also saved well from Wilkes. At the other end Watkins saved well from Jack
Bright. Broadwell finally found the back of the net, the packed box somewhat obscuring
Charnock’s view, allowing Jordan Locke to head the ball past him. Looking for a winner
Broadwell pressed, and Nathan Davies’ shot was well saved by Charnock, and another shot
rocketed straight off the post. In the 75 minute Broadwell conceded a penalty, but Watkins
th
made a brilliant save from Jenner’s spot kick. Jenner, however, kept his cool and redeemed
himself with a one on one where he controlled the ball and lobbed Watkins for 2-1.
Quedgeley held off Broadwell and Charnock made an incredible save which held the win for
Quedgeley.
At Oldbury Lane Wick took on leaders Avonmouth and after an even start the first half
turned out to be a lively affair, Avonmouth took the lead on 18 minutes when Josh Pearce
got on the end of a through ball and lobbed the on-rushing Ashton Trott. On 29 minutes the
visitors doubled their lead when Pearce scored again this time courtesy of a big deflection
on his shot from the edge of the box. Wick refused to lie down and got back into the game
on 38 when Brad Abraham headed in a cross from Levi Brown. A minute later a brilliant
point-blank save by Trott denied Pearce his hat trick. Wick had a great chance to level on
the stroke of half time when awarded a penalty, but Seb Scott fired the spot kick wide. Wick
continued to press for a second half equaliser, but it was Avonmouth who increased their
lead on 67 with Kyle O’Donovan scoring. Wick went on to hit the post, have a goal disallowed
leaving them cursing their luck, and Avonmouth’s 3-1 win.
Gala Wilton hosted Frampton United at Fairmile Gardens with both sides desperately
seeking three points at either end of the table. It was Frampton who made most of the early
running but were denied on 10 minutes with a good save by keeper Aaron Charman and
Sam Kelly headed the rebound off the line. Ten minutes later Frampton made no mistake
when Stuart Maule slotted home when one on one with Charman. The first half ended with
a plethora of goalmouth action. Gala’s first real effort on goal came after 40 minutes when
Jamol Dare shot just wide, but Frampton responded and were denied a second by a great
Charman point blank save, and they hit the bar with a well struck free kick a minute later.
Gala almost scored in time added on but Jerzy Marzsalek, when through, was denied by Tom
Kaye’s save. The second half was much quieter, but Frampton got their second on 56 when
Henry Driver-Dickerson was put through and finished past Charman. This effectively won the
game for Frampton who saw the rest of the game out, Gala unable to produce any clear-cut
chances and 2-0 it finished to the visitors.
Little Stoke welcomed high flying Bromley Heath United to the park, the game started
slowly with neither side taking control, and that was the story of the first half with very few
chances. On 48 minutes Bromley rattled Little Stoke’s crossbar with their only meaningful
chance of the game. It wasn’t until the 55 minute that Little Stoke’s game plan finally paid
th
off, a devastating counter led by Jake Lawrence whose pinpoint cross found Phil Vice to head
home. After the goal the home side were happy to let Bromley have the ball, and many a